Systems, methods, and apparatuses for disinfection and decontamination

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a system for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial is provided, the system including: a microprocessor and/or a microcontroller; an external communications device; a computational system; an antimicrobial sensor and/or an environmental sensor; and an antimicrobial generator, wherein the external communications device, the computational system, the antimicrobial generator, and the antimicrobial sensor and/or the environmental sensor are operatively connected to the microprocessor and/or the microcontroller. The system may further include a separate sensor sub-system comprising: a sensor sub-system microprocessor and/or a sensor sub-system microcontroller; a sensor sub-system external communications device; a sensor sub-system antimicrobial sensor and/or a sensor sub-system environmental sensor; and a sensor sub-system computational system. The system may further include a separate generation sub-system comprising: a generation sub-system microprocessor and/or a generation sub-system microcontroller; a generation sub-system external communications device; and a generation sub-system antimicrobial generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Pat. Application No.PCT/US2021/036501, filed on Jun. 8, 2021, which claims priority fromU.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/036,412, filed on Jun. 8, 2020,U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/049,524, filed on Jul. 8, 2020,U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/049,541, filed on Jul. 8, 2020,U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/049,919, filed on Jul. 9, 2020,U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/081,459, filed on Sep. 22,2020, U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/126,734, filed on Dec.17, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/157,368, filed onMar. 5, 2021, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus and acquiredimmune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis (TB), severe acuterespiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-1), Ebola virus disease (EVD), andcoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are contagious diseasestransmissible through direct contact from person to person, throughindirect contact by breathing airborne droplets spread from an infectedperson, and through contact with surfaces of contaminated objects.

With the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, facemask or respirator wearing andpracticing social distancing may mitigate airborne droplets spread bypotential neighboring human carriers. Nevertheless, both of thesepractices are defensive actions that do not destroy or disinfect thegerms or viruses in the airborne droplets. Currently, methods that areused to generate antimicrobial gases or vapor are large and impracticalfor general household or office use or for personal use in a limitedlocalized space, and methods of generating ClO₂ from liquid and solidprecursor chemicals are slow and/or generate low quality ClO₂ solutions.

Antimicrobial gas, such as chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), has demonstratedcapability as an antimicrobial or inactivator for pathogens on hardsurfaces. In gas form, ClO₂ has demonstrated capability to disinfecthard surfaces and porous materials within three-dimensional spaces. ClO₂gas has also been shown to kill or otherwise inactivate airbornepathogens, and even protect against airborne contagion.

ClO₂ gas is also currently used as a deodorizer in vehicles, rooms, andother enclosed spaces. Typical products used for enclosed space odorremoval include placing a cup or container housing one or more dry solidchemical constituents (typically consisting of a chlorite salt and anactivator), adding water to activate the ClO₂ generation process,enclosing the ClO₂ generation materials in the space for an extendedperiod of time before opening up the space, removing the spent ClO₂solution, and allowing the space to air out to reduce ClO₂ concentrationto safe levels.

The present disclosure relates to a safe and effective system and methodfor quickly and safely generating antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas).Antimicrobial gas may be generated from small amounts of concentratedliquid and solid precursor chemicals and actively dispersing theantimicrobial gas into an enclosed three-dimensional space.Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a safe and effectivesystem and method for monitoring antimicrobial gas concentration in theenclosed three-dimensional space and generating additional antimicrobialgas as necessary to maintain the desired concentration in the space.When used at higher concentrations, the resultant antimicrobial gas willsanitize or disinfect the air and contact surfaces within the enclosedspace. At low concentrations (e.g., < 0.1 ppm), the antimicrobial gascan be used to decrease or otherwise inactivate airborne pathogens andactively protect persons in the treated space against airbornecontagions.

The present disclosure also relates to a safe and effective system andmethod of generating, monitoring, and controlling the concentration ofantimicrobial gas that is generated on demand.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a closed-loop system for generating and monitoring anantimicrobial is provided, the system comprising: a control sub-systemcomprising: a controller unit; a communications sub-system comprising:one or more of a wired communication mechanism and a wirelesscommunication mechanism for connecting to an external network; a sensingsub-system comprising: one or more sensor oriented on a portion of thesystem open to air or contained in one or more plenum, wherein the oneor more sensor is operatively connected to the control sub-system; ageneration sub-system comprising: a reactor including a mixing chamber,wherein two or more reagents are combined in the mixing chamber tocreate an antimicrobial, and wherein the antimicrobial is applied to avolume under treatment; wherein the sensing sub-system samples air fromthe volume under treatment continuously or at intervals and measures theconcentration of the antimicrobial present in the air from the volumeunder treatment; and wherein the generation sub-system generates theantimicrobial when the measured concentration of the antimicrobial inthe air from the volume under treatment is below a predeterminedthreshold value. Additionally, or alternatively, the generationsub-system generates the antimicrobial in response to a differencebetween a target value and the sensing sub-system measurement.

In another aspect, a system for generating and monitoring anantimicrobial gas is provided, the system including: a microprocessorand/or a microcontroller; an external communications device; acomputational system; an antimicrobial sensor and/or an environmentalsensor; and an antimicrobial generator, wherein the externalcommunications device, the computational system, the antimicrobialgenerator, and the antimicrobial sensor and/or the environmental sensorare operatively connected to the microprocessor and/or themicrocontroller. The system may further include a separate sensorsub-system comprising: a sensor sub-system microprocessor and/or asensor sub-system microcontroller; a sensor sub-system externalcommunications device; a sensor sub-system antimicrobial sensor and/or asensor sub-system environmental sensor; and a sensor sub-systemcomputational system. The system may further include a separategeneration sub-system comprising: a generation sub-system microprocessorand/or a generation sub-system microcontroller; a generation sub-systemexternal communications device; and a generation sub-systemantimicrobial generator. In another aspect, a network of these systemsfor generating and monitoring an antimicrobial gas is provided.

In another aspect, a system for generating and monitoring ClO₂ gas isprovided, the system comprising: a device housing including an inlet; amicrocontroller; one or more reagent containers containing a reagent; amicrofluidic liquid dispensing and metering system; a microfluidicdevice for generating a ClO₂ gas from the reagent(s); a device forseparation of ClO₂ gas and post-generator waste in communication withthe air pump air duct and an air duct to one or more outlets; on-deviceor in-device waste storage prior to disposal; and one or more sensingsystem for either ClO₂ gas or the environment in which the device isinstalled.

In another aspect, a ClO₂ gas generator is provided, comprising: a baseincluding a pressure generator; one or more reagent containers holdingliquid reagent(s), the containers being pressurized by the pressuregenerator; a chamber passage in communication with the pressure chamberand the reagent container; one or more control valves in communicationwith the pressure generator and reagent container; one or more controlvalves in communication with the chamber passage and a microfluidicchip; a sensor system for determining the quantity, mass, or volume ofthe reagents transiting the chamber passage; a microfluidic chip havinga generation chamber in communication with a second chamber passage; asecond chamber passage in communication with a CLO₂ gas-liquidseparation chamber; and, a waste container for storage and/orinactivation of post-CLO₂ generator waste products. Alternatively, theone or more reagent container may include a liquid dispensing andmetering system, which may include positive displacement pumps (e.g.,peristaltic pumps), wherein for a set rotation of the pump shaft a knownamount of liquid reagent is pumped, thus not requiring additionalmeasurement of liquid reagent introduced to the chamber.

In another aspect, a network of systems for generating and monitoringClO₂ gas, is provided, the network comprising: a plurality of systemsfor generating and monitoring ClO₂ gas, including: a device housingincluding an inlet; a microcontroller; one or more reagent containerscontaining a reagent; a microfluidic device for generating a ClO₂ gasfrom the reagent; and a sensing system; wherein the microcontrollerincludes a communication device capable of communication between theplurality of systems, and wherein the communication device establishesdistributed control of each system’s microcontroller, wherein themicrocontroller is controlled by machine learning algorithms to altersystem performance.

In another aspect, a network of systems for generating and monitoring anantimicrobial gas is provided, the system including: a microprocessorand/or a microcontroller; an external communications device; acomputational system; an antimicrobial sensor and/or an environmentalsensor; and an antimicrobial generator, wherein the externalcommunications device, the computational system, the antimicrobialgenerator, and the antimicrobial sensor and/or the environmental sensorare operatively connected to the microprocessor and/or themicrocontroller. The system may further include a separate sensorsub-system comprising: a sensor sub-system microprocessor and/or asensor sub-system microcontroller; a sensor sub-system externalcommunications device; a sensor sub-system antimicrobial sensor and/or asensor sub-system environmental sensor; and a sensor sub-systemcomputational system. The system may further include a separategeneration sub-system comprising: a generation sub-system microprocessorand/or a generation sub-system microcontroller; a generation sub-systemexternal communications device; and a generation sub-systemantimicrobial generator.

In another aspect, the microcontroller of the system will have thecomputational and local data storage ability to enable closed-loopcontrol of the ClO₂ generation system, including but not limited to:local storage and microcontroller operations on data from sensor systemsfor ClO₂ levels to space environment variables like barometric pressure,humidity, temperature, occupancy, or sounds that may be used to altergenerator system performance automatically or via user intervention;measurement, local storage, and microcontroller operations on data frommicrofluidic sub-systems such as mass/volume sensors of reagents,rotational or linear movement of positive displacement pumps, pressuregenerator performance, microfluidic chip-borne sensors, valve status toany other electronic sub-system to provide control as well as storage ofsystem performance data for maintenance, alert, troubleshooting,inactive modes of operation, active modes of operation, and local setup.

In another aspect, the system has a communication device connected tothe microcontroller and/or electronic components such that data from anyelectronic component within, on, or connected to the housing can begathered, locally stored, operated on by the microcontroller, andtransmitted to external data gathering systems on mobile to fixeddevices.

In another aspect, linear, non-linear, proportional-integral-derivativecontrol, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence algorithms canbe incorporated into the system microcontroller to alter systemperformance automatically or by user interactions. An example of localcontrol includes alteration of system performance for detection of avirus or bacteria in the ambient air, altitude, temperature, air changesin the local space measured by changes in concentration in the air ofspaces containing ClO₂, changes in occupancy by living beings,alterations for user preference, prediction of cycles ofoccupancy/vacancy, alerts as to normal or abnormal performance of thesystem, and the like.

In another aspect, a plurality of systems within a plurality of spaceswhich are arranged into a group connected via communication devicesdescribed above to each other for distributed control via coordinationof each system’s microcontroller, centralized unit control, and/or acombination of both local and distributed control.

In another aspect, linear, non-linear, proportional-integral-derivativecontrol, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence algorithms canbe incorporated into the distributed network of systems by the aspectsdescribed above; example of distributed control include adjustingindividual systems to achieve uniform and/or deliberately non-uniformdistribution of ClO₂ in each individual generator’s location across anentire building floor, multiple floors, or the entire building due tochanges in ClO₂ concentration from HVAC, consumption or self-dissipationof ClO₂ gas, control of day/night generation cycles, sensing patternsacross time, three-dimensional volumes, seasonal variations, topreviously unknown factors which can be sensed either directly by thesensor systems in/on the system, inferred or traced to the signalmeasured, or directly traceable to the variations observed in ClO₂concentrations across a collection of systems installed acrossdistinctly separate to varying interconnection of real world spaces inwhich control of infectious species is desired.

In another aspect, the system for distribution and monitoring of ClO₂gas in a three-dimensional space can be designed for a plurality ofoperating modes; the first operating mode is designed for occupiedspaces, the second mode is designed for un-occupied spaces and mayinclude one or more sub-modes to achieve desired outcomes; future useror engineered modes may be added. These modes may be changed byauthorized users on the unit, via connected mobile devices, and/or by acentralized distributed control system connected to a plurality ofunits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic of an example system 100 for generatingand monitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic of system 100 oriented within a volumeunder treatment 124.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic of system 100 oriented within a volumeunder treatment 124.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of an example complimentary sensingsub-system 120 and generation sub-system 122 for generating andmonitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of sensing sub-system 120 and generationsub-system 122 within a volume under treatment 124.

FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic of sensing sub-system 120 and generationsub-system 122 used in conjunction with an HVAC system.

FIG. 2D illustrates a schematic of sensing sub-system 120 within avolume under treatment 124 engaging with generation sub-system 122outside of the volume under treatment 124.

FIG. 2E illustrates a schematic of generation sub-system 122 within avolume under treatment 124 engaging with sensing sub-system 120 outsideof the volume under treatment 124.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of an example system 300 for generatingand monitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of an example system 400 for generatingand monitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example blueprint of a network 500 ofantimicrobial gas systems 300 and sensors distributed in rooms andspaces within a floor of a building.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of an example system 600 for generatingand monitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic of an example system 700 for generatingand monitoring an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a system 800 generatingantimicrobial vapor within a sealed environment 810 for disinfectingitems therein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system 1000 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system 1100 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 13 illustrates a system 1300 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 14 illustrates a system 1400 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 15 illustrates a system 1500 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 16 illustrates a system 1600 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700 for generation of an antimicrobial gasand/or solution.

FIG. 18A illustrates a plan view of a reactor 1800 for generating anantimicrobial gas.

FIG. 18B illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 1800 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 18C illustrates a top perspective view of reactor 1800 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 18D illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 1800 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19A illustrates a side perspective view of a reactor 1900 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19B illustrates a side elevational view of reactor 1900 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19C illustrates a plan view of reactor 1900 for generating anantimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19D illustrates an exploded side perspective view of reactor 1900for generating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19E illustrates an exploded front perspective view of reactor 1900for generating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19F illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 1900 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19G illustrates a rear perspective view of reactor 1900 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 19H illustrates a side perspective view of reactor input mechanism1962 in a first position.

FIG. 19I illustrates a side perspective view of reactor input mechanism1962 in a second position.

FIG. 20A illustrates a plan view of a reactor 2000 for generating anantimicrobial gas.

FIG. 20B illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 2000 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 20C illustrates a top perspective view of reactor 2000 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 20D illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 2000 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 21A illustrates a plan view of a reactor 2100 for generating anantimicrobial gas.

FIG. 21B illustrates a top perspective view of reactor 2100 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 21C illustrates a rear perspective view of reactor 2100 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 21D illustrates a top perspective view of reactor 2100 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 21E illustrates a rear perspective view of reactor 2100 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 22A illustrates a plan view of a reactor 2200 for generating anantimicrobial gas.

FIG. 22B illustrates a top perspective view of reactor 2200 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 22C illustrates a rear perspective view of reactor 2200 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 22D illustrates a rear perspective view of reactor 2200 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 22E illustrates a front perspective view of reactor 2200 forgenerating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 23A illustrates a sectional view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator 2300.

FIG. 23B illustrates a partial sectional view of antimicrobial gasgenerator 2300.

FIG. 23C illustrates a sectional view of antimicrobial gas generator2300.

FIG. 23D illustrates a partial sectional view of antimicrobial gasgenerator 2300.

FIG. 23E illustrates a sectional view of antimicrobial gas generator2300.

FIG. 23F illustrates a partial sectional view of antimicrobial gasgenerator 2300.

FIG. 23G illustrates a partial sectional view of antimicrobial gasgenerator 2300.

FIG. 24 illustrates a sectional view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator 2400.

FIG. 25A illustrates an elevation view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator and sensor device 2500.

FIG. 25B illustrates a perspective view of antimicrobial gas generatorand sensor device 2500.

FIG. 25C illustrates a sectional view of antimicrobial gas generator andsensor device 2500.

FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator and sensor device 2600.

FIG. 26B illustrates a sectional view of antimicrobial gas generator andsensor device 2600.

FIG. 27A illustrates an elevation view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator and sensor device 2700.

FIG. 27B illustrates a perspective view of antimicrobial gas generatorand sensor device 2700.

FIG. 28A illustrates an elevation view of an example portableantimicrobial gas reactor 2800.

FIG. 28B illustrates a schematic view of portable antimicrobial gasreactor 2800.

FIG. 29A illustrates a plan view of an example packaged antimicrobialgas generator solution and packaged activator solution.

FIG. 29B illustrates a sectional view of packaged antimicrobial gasgenerator solution and packaged activator solution.

FIG. 30A illustrates an elevation view of an example of an antimicrobialgas generator 3000 in the form of a card shape or a sheet.

FIG. 30B illustrates a sectional view antimicrobial gas generator 3000containing an antimicrobial generating compound.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example of an antimicrobial generator 3100 in theform of a pouch with optional addition of water internal to the pouch.

FIG. 32A illustrates an example of an antimicrobial generator 3200 inthe form of a solution treated single or multi-ply porous material.

FIG. 32B illustrates an example of antimicrobial generator 3200 withliquid reagents absorbed or adsorbed on substrates and blended with aporous matrix material with optional addition of an exterior film tocontrol release.

FIG. 32C illustrates an example of antimicrobial generator 3200 withsolid reagents blended in a porous material and optional addition of anexterior film to control release.

FIG. 32D illustrates an example of antimicrobial generator 3200 in theform of a perforated pouch.

FIG. 32E illustrates an example of antimicrobial generator 3200 wherereagent materials of FIGS. 32A-32C are configured side by side withoptional materials to support activation and control release.

FIG. 33A illustrates a cutaway view of an aerosol container 3386including an interrupted dip tube.

FIG. 33B illustrates a cutaway view of aerosol container 3386 includingreactor engaged with dip tube.

FIG. 33C illustrates a cutaway view of aerosol container 3386 includingreactor engaged with dip tube.

FIG. 33D illustrates a cutaway view of aerosol container 3386 includingreactor engaged with dip tube.

FIG. 34 illustrates a cutaway view of an aerosol container 3486including a flexible bladder connected to a dip tube.

FIG. 35A illustrates a cutaway view of an aerosol container 3586including a plurality of flexible bladders.

FIG. 35B illustrates a cutaway view of aerosol container 3586 includinga plurality of flexible bladders.

FIG. 36 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus 3600 forgenerating antimicrobial gas or vapor external to a sealed environmentfor disinfecting items therein.

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 3700 generatingantimicrobial gas or vapor external to a sealed environment fordisinfecting items therein.

FIG. 38A illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 3800 generatingantimicrobial gas or vapor within a sealed environment for disinfectingitems in the sealed environment.

FIG. 38B illustrates a schematic diagram of apparatus 3800 generatingantimicrobial gas or vapor within a sealed environment for disinfectingitems in the sealed environment.

FIG. 39A illustrates an apparatus 3900 generating antimicrobial vaporwithin a sealed environment for disinfecting items therein.

FIG. 39B illustrates apparatus 3900 generating antimicrobial vaporwithin a sealed environment for disinfecting items therein.

FIG. 39C illustrates apparatus 3900 generating antimicrobial vaporwithin a sealed environment for disinfecting items therein.

FIG. 40 illustrates methods of generating antimicrobial gas or vaporwithin a sealed environment or external to the sealed environment todisinfect items within the sealed environment.

FIG. 41A illustrates ClO₂ efficacy test data on controlled samples.

FIG. 41B illustrates ClO₂ efficacy test data on controlled samples.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example of an apparatus 4200 that generatesantimicrobial gas or vapor for disinfecting items in three-dimensionalspace.

FIG. 43 illustrates an example of an apparatus 4300 that generatesantimicrobial gas or vapor for disinfecting items in three-dimensionalspace.

FIG. 44 illustrates an example procedure 4400 for the use of apparatus4300 in FIG. 43 to generate antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 45 illustrates a table showing temperature effects to solubility ofClO₂ gas in water and in air and required amount of ClO₂ gas for adefined room size.

FIG. 46 illustrates a uniformity of ClO₂ gas concentration distributedwithin a room.

FIG. 47 illustrates gas concentration profiles in room setting withfurniture.

FIG. 48 illustrates relative humidity and generated ClO₂ gasconcentration from a ClO₂ solution.

FIG. 49 illustrates a correlation of increase in disinfection efficacywith elevated humidity.

FIG. 50 illustrates a method for generating an antimicrobial gas anddispersing the gas via an apparatus.

FIG. 51A illustrates the time (minutes) to equilibrium for a targetconcentration of 0.1 ppm of ClO₂ to air.

FIG. 51B illustrates the concentration (ppm of ClO₂ to air) measured atfive ports over time (minutes).

FIG. 52A illustrates the time (minutes) to equilibrium for a targetconcentration of 350 ppm of ClO₂ to air.

FIG. 52B illustrates the concentration (ppm of ClO₂ to air) measured at12 ports over time (minutes).

FIG. 53A illustrates a diagram of an example system 5300 for generatingClO₂ vapor from small volumes of high concentration liquid precursors.

FIG. 53B illustrates a diagram of example system 5300 for generatingClO₂ vapor from small volumes of high concentration liquid precursors.

FIG. 54A illustrates results of ClO₂ generation using system 5300 orsimilar systems.

FIG. 54B illustrates results of ClO₂ generation using system 5300 orsimilar systems.

FIG. 54C illustrates requirements for ClO₂ generation using system 5300or similar systems.

FIG. 55A illustrates the mean D-values (hours) from replicate tests perorganism performed at the range of 0.11 ± 0.04 ppmv.

FIG. 55B illustrates the mean D-values (hours) from replicate tests perorganism performed at the range of 5.3 ± 2.4 ppmv.

FIG. 56 illustrates a diagram of an example system 5600 for variousoperational modes.

FIG. 57 illustrates a control sub-system 5700.

FIG. 58 illustrates a reactor 5800 for generating an antimicrobial gas.

FIG. 59 illustrates a graph of concentration of antimicrobial gas versustime for a simulated operation of an antimicrobial gas system anddevice.

FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic of a closed-loop system 6000 to maintaintarget concentrations of an antimicrobial gas in the air.

FIG. 61A illustrates a perspective view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator 6100.

FIG. 61B illustrates a sectional view of an example antimicrobial gasgenerator 6100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Closed-Loop Antimicrobial Concept

A system is provided including an interconnection of platform componentelements described below. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a system 100 forgenerating and monitoring an antimicrobial gas. FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate asystem 200 for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial gas. Platformcomponent elements may be used individually or in combination toimplement a system and device to create, maintain, optimize and/ordocument the presence of a concentration of an antimicrobial agent in avolume under treatment 124.

The system (such as systems 100, 200) is capable of maintaining anantimicrobial agent in the atmosphere of volume under treatment 124, andmay include: (1) controlled release of antimicrobials to maintain atarget antimicrobial concentration in volume under treatment 124; (2) atleast one type of sensor 108, within volume under treatment 124, andpossibly several sensors 108 or several types of sensors 108, are usedto sense the concentration of the antimicrobial; (3) a computationalsystem 106 that can compare the measured difference between theantimicrobial concentration sensing and a target antimicrobialconcentration in volume under treatment 124; (4) an antimicrobialgenerator 110 (which may be connected to computational system 106)capable of initial establishment and maintenance of a targetantimicrobial concentration in volume under treatment 124; (5) where acomputed difference between a target antimicrobial concentration and asensed antimicrobial concentration is determined, a target control mayadjust antimicrobial generation to maintain the target antimicrobialconcentration; (6) at least one base safety assurance implementation atthe physical components of system 100, 200, electronic hardware, andfirmware to software levels of the product.

System 100, 200 may be designed for modes of operation to preventtransmission or infection between humans in occupied spaces, as well asmodes of operation wherein unoccupied rooms can be treated. To maintaintarget antimicrobial concentrations, system 100, 200 may separate thedurable reusable components from disposable components to maintainrefill and physical-digital control across deployed system elements.

Regarding the antimicrobials, the self-degradation kinetics and kineticsof inactivation to log-kill microbes may depend upon more than just theconcentration of the antimicrobials in the volume under treatment 124.Thus, system 100, 200 may include a broad spectrum of environmentsensing to enable system 100, 200 to use machine learning and artificialintelligence, including for example, enhanced target control, automatedvolume estimation, humidity measurement, and programmatic antimicrobialcycles.

Antimicrobial generator 110 designs may use matter displacement(including positive displacement pumps) to activate systems, many ofwhich may have an electronic signal that can be harvested to enableenhanced safety assurance utilizing signals collected by amicroprocessor/microcontroller 104 that may be part of computationalsystem 106.

System 100, 200 may use external communication 102 to form aconnectivity network designed to utilize distributed system data of theaforementioned variables of interest to enable the network coordinationof distributed product nodes, and the correspondingly required strategyof spatial and temporal identification constants durably and/or variablyassigned to system 100, 200 products.

System 100, 200 may use a combination of platform components, to createan antimicrobial dashboard system. System 100, 200 may provide real-timeas well as historical data on infection control, either for safety andhealth in a user’s own spaces, or in high requirements markets such ashealthcare facilities. The antimicrobial dashboard system may be used tomap a data lake of environment sensing, target antimicrobialconcentrations, and use of the connectivity network to deliverdistributed system data on the distributed product nodes, which may beidentified by unique spatial and temporal identifications, and combineall of this data into human-meaningful information.

Distributing the intelligence (e.g., computational system 106), sensing(e.g., sensor 108), and generation (e.g., antimicrobial generator 110)may enable the development of a digital twin of space for antimicrobialcontrol. This concept may enable additional network safety assuranceimplementations and may contain all of the information required todevelop and deploy proactive strategies in system 100, 200 products suchas a predictive antimicrobial control.

System 100, 200 includes the ability to combine platform components inmultiple ways to achieve product implementation options that aredesigned specifically for rooms in buildings and provide digital controlto low-concentration of an airborne antimicrobial. This antimicrobialmay be used to fight transmission and infection caused bymicrobe-emitting beings and microbes that are circulated through the aircurrents in rooms, adjacent rooms via open infiltration/exfiltrationpassages, and shared HVAC systems.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, system 100 may include platformcomponents including external communications 102 devices,microprocessors/microcontrollers 104, computational system 106,antimicrobial and/or environmental sensors 108, and antimicrobialgenerator 110. System 100 may be entirely contained inside of volumeunder treatment 124. Optionally, system 100 may be contained withinvolume under treatment 124 and supplemented with one or more additionalsensor sub-systems 120 configured to provide additional data, includingantimicrobial concentration and/or environmental data.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, system 200 may include both a sensorsub-system 120 and a generation sub-system 122. Sensor sub-system 120may include external communication 102 devices, amicroprocessor/microcontroller 104A, computational system 106, andantimicrobial and/or environmental sensors 108. Generation sub-system122 may include external communication 102 devices, amicroprocessor/microcontroller 104B, and antimicrobial generator 110.System 200 may be entirely contained inside of volume under treatment124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, system 200 may, in a first aspect, includesensor sub-system 120 within volume under treatment 124, and generationsub-system 122 outside of volume under treatment 124. In the firstaspect, generation sub-system 122 generates an antimicrobial and via afluid connection to an HVAC air supply 126, directs antimicrobial intothe interior of volume under treatment 124. The concentration ofantimicrobial within volume under treatment 124 is sensed by sensorsub-system 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, system 200 may, in a second aspect, includegeneration sub-system 122 within volume under treatment 124, and sensorsub-system 120 outside of volume under treatment 124. In the secondaspect, generation sub-system 122 generates an antimicrobial withinvolume under treatment, and via a fluid connection to an HVAC air return128, sensor sub-system 120 senses the concentration of antimicrobialwithin volume under treatment 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2D, system 200 may include a sensor sub-system120 within volume under treatment 124, and generation sub-system 122outside of volume under treatment 124, wherein generation sub-system 122is in fluid communication within volume under treatment 124 to placegenerated antimicrobial within volume under treatment 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2E, system 200 may include a sensor sub-system120 outside of volume under treatment 124, and generation sub-system 122within volume under treatment 124, wherein sensor sub-system 120 is influid communication within volume under treatment 124 to sense generatedantimicrobial concentrations within volume under treatment 124.

Volume under treatment 124 is conceptually a volume in which a userseeks to distribute an antimicrobial. The volume may be sealedpermanently or temporarily to isolate the volume for a period of time.The volume may have openings through which atmosphere can be allowed toinfiltrate and/or exfiltrate before, during, or after distributing anantimicrobial. The infiltration/exfiltration can be a characteristic ofthe volume that is either an uncontrolled variable due to consequence ofthe volume configuration, or active control strategies ofinfiltration/exfiltration of atmosphere.

The target volumes may be the living spaces where human beings gatherfor work, activities, entertainment, and/or their domiciles. Therefore,product targets may be volumes that can be termed rooms, with groups ofrooms forming floorplans, collections of floorplans that form abuilding, and collections of buildings that comprise a facility.

Modular platform components may be extended into other volumes undertreatment 124, including for example: (1) mobile vehicles such as theinteriors of cars, trains, subways, airplanes, recreational vehicles,ride share vehicles, autonomous vehicles, cabins in ships, and the like;(2) leisure spaces such as restaurants, nightclubs, bars, churches,community centers, libraries, and the like; (3) hospital spaces such ashospital rooms, operating rooms, procedure rooms, patient examinationrooms, vivariums, morgues, and the like; and (4) business spaces such asoffices, conference rooms, hallways, cafeterias, coffee and loungeareas, and the like.

Target antimicrobial concentrations may be a setpoint desired forantimicrobial release into a volume under treatment 124. Theconcentration of an antimicrobial in the air can be expressed inrelative ratios such as percentages, parts-per-million (“ppm”), orparts-per-billion (“ppb”), and similar terms. As the term is usedherein, ppm and ppb are based upon volume.

International standard terms are often used to describe antimicrobialconcentrations similar to how industrial chemicals are regulated.Important to system 100, 200 product designs is to treat the air inrooms where people live, work, and play. Regulatory terminology forantimicrobial concentrations in the air in volume under treatment 124include: (1) recommended/permitted exposure limit, abbreviated“REL/PEL,” are concentration and time exposure limits safe for humanoccupation based upon historical studies and evidence; (2) immediatelydangerous to life or health, abbreviated “IDLH,” is a concentration atwhich human exposure can begin to quickly cause an adverse reaction; (3)lethal concentration with 50% mortality, abbreviated “LC-50,” is aconcentration at which a time-based exposure to an airborneconcentration shown to have a mortality rate of 50% in animals exposedin a trial of time at concentration; and (4) lethal dose with 50%mortality, abbreviated “LD-50,” is an immediate dose extrapolated fromanimal trials where a mortality rate of 50% is observed from a singlelarge dose, including air measured as near-immediate mortality at anairborne concentration.

The first target antimicrobial concentrations include:

(1) prevention mode in occupied volumes: simple target number typicallypredicated upon, but not necessarily constrained to, known and publishedREL/PEL from regulatory bodies. The objective of the prevention mode isto maintain a known-safe concentration of an antimicrobial in the air inwhich humans can occupy for a meaningful length of time, typicallydefined by safety regulators in the context of a “work shift” between 8to 10 hours. The objective of the concentration is to limit and/oreliminate the transmission potential and/or infection potential ofmicrobes that are already present in a room, or are being emitted intothe room by other living beings or room systems like HVAC;

(2) decontamination mode in unoccupied volumes: simple target numbertypically predicated on, but not necessarily constrained to, known andpublished IDLH from regulatory bodies. One objective of decontaminationmode is to enable the use of higher concentration levels of an airborneantimicrobial that can shorten the time required to inactivate/killmicrobes that need elimination faster, are more difficult to killorganisms (such as spores) or are typically easier to kill but that arepartially protected in nutrient rich soils, fluids in obvious to hiddenlocations, and are suspected or confirmed in a specific volume undertreatment 124. Targeting the range near to or below the IDLH includes alikelihood that a person who accidently or purposefully walks intovolume under treatment 124 will notice effects associated with the IDLHsuch as watery eyes, nasal irritation, and other immediately dangerousbut not lethal concentrations;

(3) emergency decontamination volumes: target number potentiallyselected where a highly dangerous concentration of and/or highlyresistant species of microbe require an emergency decontamination ofvolume under treatment 124. Once volume under treatment 124 is isolatedand evacuated, system 100, 200 products could be set by authorized usersto perform higher concentration “civil defense mode” concentrations thatare at or exceed the LC-50 and LD-50, therefore requiring a degree ofuser interaction and implementing physical safety safeguards that such amode will not be an automated mode.

Sensors 108 and sensor sub-system 120 can include a broad range ofsensing technologies to determine the concentration of the antimicrobialin volume under treatment 124.

Any one or a combination of these sensing technologies may be utilizedfor many different species of antimicrobials, including for exampleClO₂, which is part of the class of oxidizing antimicrobials, which mayadditionally include: hydrogen peroxide, dry hydrogen peroxide, ozone,nitric oxide.

System 100, 200 may incorporate any combination of the following sensors108 to achieve digital control: (1) electrochemical sensors that utilizea depletable chemical which reacts with the antimicrobial, and anelectrical circuit that measures the effect of this chemical reactionusing measures of charge, voltage, current, conductivity, resistivity,and the like to provide a signal that is in proportion to the knowncapable range of the sensors. An example of electrochemical sensors forClO₂ include sensors from Analytical Technologies, Inc.; (2) MOx sensors(metal oxide semiconductor sensors) are widely used in air qualitymeasurement, typically for airborne pollutants such as H2S, volatileorganic compounds, and are known to work to sense gaseous oxidizingspecies. Two examples of these MOx sensors include the Sensirion SGP40and the Renesas ZMOD4410 family of sensors.

Advantages of MOx sensors over electrochemical sensors may include: (a)10-year lifetimes with no chemicals to deplete; (b) calibration andtraining values last the lifetime of the sensor; (c) sensors can be“trained” to gas species of interest. The number of gases the sensor canbe trained to is not limited by choices of chemical species in thesensor, therefore, as opposed to electrochemical sensors, one MOx sensorcan be used to sense multiple antimicrobial species of interest, as welland complementary and potentially interfering gases, without requiringuse of different chemicals, membranes, or other interaction/barriermethods to provide species specificity.

Alternative sensing solutions may be able to sense an antimicrobialspecies to the parts-per-billion to parts-per-trillion levels ofconcentration expected in the prevention mode in occupied volumes. Thesealternatives may include: (1) Colorimetry: using a chemical “dye” thatinteracts with the antimicrobial species of interest and causes areaction that can be observed be electronic color sensors. The “color”can be in the spectrum of visible, infrared, UV, and other wavelengthsof light. The fundamental output of such a system would be an electronicsignal that is proportional to the “color change” expected for knownchemical interactions that underpin such sensing technologies; (2)Fluorescence: if the antimicrobial species fluoresces, or can be boundto a chemical species that is selective and can be sensed viafluorescence, the magnitude of the fluorescence can be sensed andcalibrated to known sources to translate fluorescence levels sensed intoand electronic signal that is proportional to said fluorescence.

Electronic and/or computational controls (computational system 106) actas the “heart” and “brains” of a system 100, 200 product. While thereare electronic analog, field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), anddiscrete circuitry methods that may work for control, the digitalsolutions designed for low power battery-powered connected products areparticularly beneficial for wireless system 100, 200 products.

Microprocessors or microcontrollers 104 may form the controlintelligence backbone of system 100, 200 products. Microprocessors maybe used as these may be required for the embodiments of certain simplesafety assurance systems.

Microprocessor unit 104 may be the central processing core electricallyconnected to all of the elements of the system 100, 200 platformcomponents.

Antimicrobial generator 110 is any of a variety of subcomponentsresponsible for the generation and/or dispersion of an antimicrobialinto volume under treatment 124. A large variety of antimicrobialgenerators 110 is discussed herein, including:

(1) compressed matter release: an antimicrobial stored in a compressedstate is released by a pressure reducing regulator. For example, acanister of antimicrobial gas connected to a pressure reducingregulator, which when opened, allows compressed antimicrobial gas toflow out of the canister to an uncompressed state. A mass flowcontroller in the path of the matter being transformed from a compressedto an uncompressed state can provide quantitative measurement of thequantity of antimicrobial released;

(2) two or more chemical activation: two or more precursors are combinedto cause a chemical reaction that generates the desired antimicrobial.The two or more precursors can be mixed in passive or active structures,including microfluidic structures to accelerate reaction kinetics.Examples of systems contained herein utilizing this concept include,without limitation: reactors 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, and 2200; gasgenerators 2300, 2400, and 3000; gas reactor 2800; antimicrobialgenerators 3100 and 3200; and aerosol containers 3486 and 3586;

(3) electrochemical activation: voltage potential and/or current can bevaried to control species release and kinetics of antimicrobialgeneration. In one aspect, termed a flow-through electrochemical cell,NaClO₂ can be flowed over electrodes and recycled until depleted by theelectrochemical cleaving of Na from NaClO₂. In another aspect, theprecursor material can be contained in a static volume into whichelectrodes are co-located to generate the electrochemical cleaving of Nafrom NaClO₂ until the bulk fluid is depleted. In another aspect, ClO₂ iselectrochemically generated from a solution of NaClO₂ as the anolytethat is separated from a catholyte by a membrane. Each anolyte andcatholyte is in communication with at least one electrode, and amembrane plays an active role in increasing the yield or desired speciesof antimicrobial (e.g., ClO₂) while sequestering undesired species inthe catholyte like Na (in this example for ClO₂). In another aspect, athin layer of sodium chlorite is flowed in a closed, open, or one-sidedmembrane channel where material could be introduced to anelectrochemical cell designed to generate ClO₂ only from the smallquantity of NaClO₂, after which the depleted precursor is transferred toa waste container and the processed is repeated.

Systems 100, 200 may be a platform that includes durable reusablecomponents and disposable components. The disposable components mayinclude refill cartridges. The refill cartridges may include precursorsor direct antimicrobial in a concentrated form. Refill cartridges mayinclude a reservoir. Refill cartridges may include platform componentsthat are prone to failure from wear, including for example, pumps,sensors, and the like.

Systems 100, 200 may include digital and physical signals to achieve thechanging of modes as described above. System 100, 200 may be used eitherin occupied or unoccupied volumes under treatment 124.

As such, one class of refill cartridges can incorporate a mechanism(physical, electrical/digital, or both) to limit the base unit intowhich it is installed to operate in an occupied volume under treatment124 mode (e.g., prevention mode in occupied volumes) and REL/PELconcentration levels.

Another class of refill cartridges can incorporate a mechanism(physical, electrical/digital, or both) to allow the base unit intowhich it is installed to operate in a decontamination mode (e.g.,decontamination mode in unoccupied volumes). Additional features mayinclude a mechanism limiting installation to a subset of users who areauthorized to install the decontamination mode cartridge. These featuresmay include a requirement to enter an appropriate electronic or digitalauthorization (e.g., a code, swipe a keycard, enter a biometric pass, orthe like) to unlock a decontamination mode that would be inappropriatefor occupied spaces. Such a decontamination mode may utilize IDLH orhigher concentration levels and may be suitable for regular orexceptional “deep-clean” scenarios.

System 100, 200 may use a combination of platform components, to createan antimicrobial dashboard system. The dashboard system may combinedistributed intelligence, distributed data across the system, and otherplatform components to enable beneficial system features, including forexample: (1) a room, floor, building control dashboard for antimicrobialtreatment; (2) provide notifications to phones that are nearby a baseunit; (3) system 100, 200 coordination in physically adjacent volumesunder treatment 124; (4) antimicrobial output coordination of multipleunits in a single contiguous volume (e.g., a large open space such as aconcert hall); (5) data portability for integration into buildingmanagement systems, such as hospital command centers; and (6) civildefense alert network for biological threats or attacks.

Each system 100, 200 unit may securely connect (IoT connections), forpurposes of data collection and storage, software and firmware updates,and/or user interactions, to assign: (1) unique identifiers for eachhardware unit; (2) unique identifiers for each refill unit; (3) and/ortwo different types of refill units (one for when in low-concentrationoccupied mode, and another for authorized user to change to unoccupieddecontamination mode).

Additionally, each system 100, 200 unit may securely connect to eachother (via external communication 102) and may pass identificationvalidation data as well as recorded operational performance data alongto a data gathering point. Each unit may record its own data, and ifnecessary for redundancy and safety, neighboring unit data. In oneaspect, each unit may connect to a WiFi hub to achieveinterconnectivity. In another aspect, all units may be required toconnect to a central identification validation and data gathering point.

Computational system 106 may include local storage mediums for eachsystem 100, 200 unit. Alternatively, one unit can have storagecapability and may act as an accumulator for multiple units in a logicalgrouping. All units or all accumulators may be required to report upinto a central data gathering point, which may also be a point ofconnection into cloud data.

In one aspect, system 100, 200 units may have safety features including:(1) input received from each unit, including location, environmentalsensor suite, antimicrobial sensor data, quantity of antimicrobialgenerated, and/or corresponding time stamps; (2) output to user and/orsystem controls including possible safety signal generation based upon:(i) operational parameters that do not make sense and thus thatparticular unit may be malfunctioning, (ii) recognition that aneighboring unit has experienced an error can initiate “alert status”among a local group of units, and a group or region of units could bepowered off if airflow-dictated interactions between two local unitscause interference, (iii) client and/or host operations control: thecontrol system will watch for signals of parameters that do not makesense, across the entire installation of units.

System 100, 200 may include machine learning algorithms. For example,machine learning algorithms may use a multi-sensor suite to both measureand classify at least two fundamental characteristics of airbornemicrobial concentration in volume under treatment 124.

System 100, 200 may include the capability to automatically measure thevolume of any given volume under treatment 124. Sensor array 108 may beutilized to automatically measure room volume so that generator 110closed-loop performance can be translated from a concentration in theair to a value of required make up antimicrobial that will move theconcentration from a measured value to the target concentration withinvolume under treatment 124. System 100, 200 units may generate and emita known test quantity of the antimicrobial upon initialization. The unitmay initiate continuous antimicrobial sensor 108 readings whilegenerator 110 is kept idle for a period of time between 1 min to 4hours. On-unit computation capability measures peak concentration anduses machine learning aspect 1 (“ML1”) to measure room kinetics.Understanding that concentration = mass (derived from sensed dispensedantimicrobial volume, directly or indirectly sensed precursorutilization, mass flow measurement of antimicrobial gas, or any othervalue that can be traced back to quantity) of antimicrobial divided byvolume of volume under treatment 124. The volume of volume undertreatment 124 is determined by using the measured quantity ofantimicrobial generated and antimicrobial concentration reading at atime appropriate to the room kinetics measured with ML1. System 100, 200may iterate with each antimicrobial gas emission to update ML1 roomkinetics estimates, while cataloging changes by time stamp. As machinelearning aspect 2 (“ML2”) “learns” from the data lake or directverification experiments, future algorithms may be designed to provideinput data to the generator to predict the specific quantity ofantimicrobial needed to achieve the desired concentration based uponenvironment conditions within volume under treatment 124. Alternatively,or as a backup method, system 100, 200 may use a three-dimensional lasermeasuring system, or a tone emitter and microphone on units to ping thevolume of volume under treatment 124 with a CHIRP acoustic signal.Measuring time of flight and collision of sound waves, system 100, 200may build a characteristic volume estimate of volume under treatment124.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematics of example systems 300 and 400 forgenerating and monitoring an antimicrobial gas (including a disinfectiongas and/or decontamination gas). The antimicrobial gas may be a ClO₂gas. Systems 300 and 400 may include a microfluidic liquid dispensingand metering system. Systems 300 and 400 may be used to both generateantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) and dispense the antimicrobial gas(e.g., ClO₂ gas) to the ambient environment, and to sample the ambientair to identify antimicrobial gas concentration therein and generatemore or less antimicrobial gas as necessary to maintain a desiredantimicrobial gas concentration. Systems 300 and 400 may be used to testair in a particular environment (e.g., a three-dimensional enclosedspace) to determine the concentration of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂gas) in parts per billion (“ppb”) of air. Systems 300 and 400 may beused to maintain a desired antimicrobial gas concentration in ambientair surrounding devices housing systems 300 and 400 by regularlysampling the ambient air, determining the concentration of antimicrobialgas in the ambient air, and via closed-loop control of the device,generating more or less antimicrobial gas to maintain the desiredantimicrobial gas concentration in the ambient air.

Systems 300 and 400 may include wired connections to a computer network,cloud storage, or the like. Systems 300 and 400 may include wirelessconnections to a computer network, cloud storage, or the like. Systems300 and 400 may document time-based tracking of system use, productmaintenance, target concentration performance, and environmentalparameters of interest. This documentation may be in the form of files,logs, or other records stored locally within a device housing system 300and/or 400 or transmitted via wired connection or wirelessly to acomputer network, cloud storage, or the like. Systems 300 and 400 mayhave cloud and/or IoT connectivity to enable user personas toeffectively set up, train, manage, and maintain devices housing systems300 and/or 400 in the three-dimensional enclosed spaces under treatment,view real-time and stored performance and environment data, and/orexport data to compare validation tests such as animal and humanexposure trials.

Systems 300 and 400 may be used to decontaminate (that is, to inactivateor destroy pathogens) a three-dimensional enclosed space (e.g., ahospital room) through high concentrations of antimicrobial gas (e.g.,ClO₂ gas) (when unoccupied by humans), or through low concentrations ofantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) (when occupied by humans). In oneaspect, systems 300 and 400 generate antimicrobial gas in aconcentration of 1,000 ppb to 5,000 ppb or 50,000 to 300,000 ppb todecontaminate an unoccupied three-dimensional enclosed space. Systems300 and 400 may destroy the COVID-19 within a three-dimensional enclosedspace.

Systems 300 and 400 may be used to prevent the spread and/or survival ofa virus in a three-dimensional enclosed space (e.g., a hospital room)through low concentrations of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas)(whether occupied by humans or not). In one aspect, systems 300 and 400generate antimicrobial gas in a concentration of less than 100 ppb, forexample 50 ppb, to prevent the spread and/or survival of a virus in anoccupied three-dimensional enclosed space. Systems 300 and 400 mayreduce aerosolized virus transmission and infection of viruses includingCOVID-19. Systems 300 and 400 may inactivate and/or kill airbornepathogens, and even protect against airborne contagions.

System 300 and/or 400 may be contained within a device housing 304.Ambient air 302 may enter one or more inlet in device housing 304.Ambient air 302 may pass through a particulate filter within devicehousing 304. The particulate filter may not exclude any atmosphericmolecules.

Ambient air 302 passes from device housing 304 into one or all of airpumps 308A, 308B, and 308C via one or more air ducts. System 300includes air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C, while system 400 only includesair pumps 308A and 308C, as will be further explained below.

A microcontroller 306 may control all on-board functions of system 300and 400. Microcontroller 306 includes software that can be written tochange system 300 and 400′s functions where necessary. Microcontroller306 is operatively connected to various elements (described furtherbelow) of systems 300 and 400 via wired or wireless connection.

Microcontroller 306 is connected to air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C asillustrated, and controls the function of 308A, 308B, and 308C,including one or more of start, stop, velocity, flow rate, pressure, andthe like. Air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C may be disc pumps. In oneaspect, air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C may be capable of producingpressure in excess of 270 mbar, flow rates in excess of 0.55 L/min, andvacuum in excess of 220 mbar. Air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C may includeseparate motor control units. Air pumps 308A, 308B, and 308C may includeintegrated motor control units. It is understood that system 400 doesnot include air pump 308B.

Air pumps 308A and 308B in system 300 are connected to pressure reliefvalves 310A and 310B, such that excess or unnecessary pressure producedby air pumps 308A and 308B may be routed out of system 300. System 400likewise includes a pressure relief valve 310A having the same functionbut does not include a pressure relief valve 310B. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , systems 600 and 700 eliminate at leastair pumps 308A and 308B as reagent containers 312A and 312B may bepressurized prior to assembly of systems 600 and 700, and thus air pumps308A and 308B are unnecessary.

System 300 includes reagent containers 312A and 312B, each containing adifferent liquid reagent 314A and 314B. Reagents 314A and 314B may becombined within a microfluidic mixer 320 to generate ClO₂ gas. One ofreagents 314A and 314B may be a liquid precursor such as NaClO₂ (sodiumchlorite). The other of reagents 314A and 314B may be a liquid activatorsuch as an acid/H+ activator.

With respect to system 300, air pump 308A pressurizes reagent container312A, thus causing reagent 314A to travel from reagent container 312A,through a passage into an electronically operated normally closed valve316A (which is connected to a controlled by microcontroller 306). Fromvalve 316A reagent 314A travels through a microfluidic flow sensor 318A(which is used for closed-loop control signals and is connected to andprovides data to microcontroller 306), and into microfluidic mixer 320.It is contemplated that any pressure generator may be used in lieu ofair pump 308A to pressurize reagent container 312A. In one aspect,reagent container 312A may be pressurized by an external source duringassembly of system 300, and a valve connected to reagent container 312A(e.g., valve 316A) may open to permit the passage of a quantity ofpressurized reagent to exist reagent container 312A and proceed intomicrofluidic mixer 320 as described above. Such a system is illustratedin FIG. 6 .

With respect to system 300, air pump 308B pressurizes reagent container312B, thus causing reagent 314B to travel from reagent container 312B,through a passage into an electronically operated normally closed valve316B (which is connected to and controlled by microcontroller 306). Fromvalve 316B reagent 314B travels through a microfluidic flow sensor 318B(which is used for closed-loop control signals and is connected to andprovides data to microcontroller 306), and into microfluidic mixer 320.It is contemplated that any pressure generator may be used in lieu ofair pump 308B to pressurize reagent container 312B. In one aspect,reagent container 312B may be pressurized by an external source duringassembly of system 300, and a valve connected to reagent container 312B(e.g., valve 316B) may open to permit the passage of a quantity ofpressurized reagent to exist reagent container 312B and proceed intomicrofluidic mixer 320 as described above. Such a system is illustratedin FIG. 6 .

Microfluidic mixer 320 may be a planar shape designed for low dead spacevolume and effective mixing to increase reaction kinetics of precursors.

The mixture of reagents 314A and 314B in microfluidic mixer 320 createsan antimicrobial gas, including for example, ClO₂ gas. Antimicrobial gasmay pass via a passage into an off-gas and waste chamber 322. Chamber322 may include an absorber material, an evaporator, or the like. Withinchamber 322, any waste from the creation of antimicrobial gas may beabsorbed in an absorber material. Chamber 322 may include a membrane.Antimicrobial gas may exit chamber 322 into the ambient atmosphere. Inone aspect, antimicrobial gas exits chamber 322 through the membrane.System 300 and 400 may include a device for separation of antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) and post-generator waste in communication with oneor more air pumps and air ducts to one or more outlets, and on-device orin-device waste storage prior to disposal. Chamber 322 may act as thedevice for separation of antimicrobial gas and post-generator waste.Chamber 322 may act as the device for on-device or in-device wastestorage prior to disposal. Chamber 322 may act as both the device forseparation of antimicrobial gas and post-generator waste and the devicefor on-device or in-device waste storage prior to disposal.

With respect to system 400, system 400 does not include an air pump308B, pressure relief valve 310B, reagent container 312B, reagent 314B,valve 316B, or a microfluidic flow sensor 318B. Further, system 400substitutes microfluidic mixer 320 with a microfluidic electrochemicalgenerator 434. In system 400, air pump 308A pressurizes reagentcontainer 312A, thus causing reagent 314A to travel from reagentcontainer 312A, through a passage into an electronically operatednormally closed valve 316A (which is connected to and controlled bymicrocontroller 306). From valve 316A reagent 314A travels through amicrofluidic flow sensor 318A (which is used for closed-loop controlsignals and is connected to and provides data to microcontroller 306),and into microfluidic electrochemical generator 434. An electricalcurrent, provided by and controlled by microcontroller 306 withinmicrofluidic electrochemical generator 434 causes a reaction withreagent 314A within microfluidic electrochemical generator 434 thatproduces an antimicrobial gas, such as ClO₂ gas. Antimicrobial gaspasses from microfluidic electrochemical generator 434 into chamber 322and ultimately into the ambient environment as described with respect tosystem 300.

It is contemplated that any pressure generator may be used in lieu ofair pump 308A to pressurize reagent container 312A. In one aspect,reagent container 312A may be pressurized by an external source duringassembly of system 300, and a valve connected to reagent container 312A(e.g., valve 316A) may open to permit the passage of a quantity ofpressurized reagent to exist reagent container 312A and proceed intomicrofluidic mixer 320 as described above. Such a system is illustratedin FIG. 7 .

Electronically operated normally closed valve 316A, 316B may becontrolled by microcontroller 306, and may be oriented such that when nopower is provided, valve 316A, 316B is closed. Likewise, when power isprovided, valve 316A, 316B is open.

Microfluidic flow sensor 318A, 318B may sense the flow of reagent 314A,314B, respectively, and may provide data regarding that flow tomicrocontroller 306. Such data may include flow rate, flow volume, flowtime, mass, and the like.

Systems 300 and 400 may include a barometric sensor 328. Barometricsensor 328 may sense the pressure within the three-dimensional enclosedspace that systems 300 and 400 operate. Upon sensing a negative pressure(indicating that a HVAC return system is pulling air out of the room, adoor or window is open, or the like), barometric sensor 328 maycommunicate the negative pressure via its connection withmicrocontroller 306, upon which microcontroller 306 may pauseantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) generation until a neutral and/orpositive pressure is sensed by barometric sensor 328. Upon sensing aneutral or positive pressure, barometric sensor 328 may communicate theneutral or positive pressure to microcontroller 306, at which pointmicrocontroller 306 may once again initiate gas generation (e.g., ClO₂gas).

Systems 300 and 400 may include an air quality sensor 330. Air qualitysensor 330 may sense any of a variety of ambient air 302′scharacteristics, including for example, humidity, temperature, and thelike. Data regarding air quality may be recorded for evaluating theeffectiveness of systems 300 and 400. Alternatively, as antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) may be more effective at destroying pathogens inmore humid environments, humidity data, for example, may be communicatedvia air quality sensor 330′s connection with microcontroller 306, uponwhich microcontroller 306 may adjust the target concentration ofantimicrobial gas in ambient air 302 based upon humidity readings.

The above-described aspects, methods, and processes of systems 300 and400 demonstrate the generation of antimicrobial gas by each of systems300 and 400. Below is described the aspects of systems 300 and 400 thatsample ambient air 302 to determine the concentration of antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) within ambient air 302.

In both systems 300 and 400, ambient air 302 may be ducted to air pump308C, which causes a sample of ambient air 302 to enter a concentrator324. Concentrator 324 may separate antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas)from the mostly diamagnetic other components of ambient air 302. Oneaspect of a concentrator is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Concentrator324 may separate and concentrate a very low concentration ofantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) so that a more accurate measurementof its concentration may be obtained. Concentrator 324 may utilizemagnets to separate diamagnetic gases from antimicrobial gas, thuspermitting the testing of a concentrated and amplified level ofantimicrobial gas. Diamagnetic gases may be passed back into the ambientenvironment after separation. In one aspect, antimicrobial gas may beamplified at least 100 times prior to further concentration testing.

Systems 300 and 400 may include a sensing system 326. Sensing system 326may sense the concentration of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) (whichmay be amplified 100 times or more following processing in concentrator324). Sensing system 326 may measure a time weighted average of theconcentration of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂) in ambient air 302. Dataregarding the concentration is passed to microcontroller 306, and ifnecessary, microcontroller 306 causes system 300 or 400 to generate moreor less antimicrobial gas based upon the concentration measured insensing system 326.

After sensing in sensing system 326, the sampled gas passes via apassage to off-gas and waste chamber 322 and is ultimately passed intothe ambient atmosphere with the generated antimicrobial gas.

Thus, systems 300 and 400 may measure the concentration of antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) in ambient air 302, and if the concentration isbelow the target concentration, microcontroller 306 can cause system 300or 400 to generate more antimicrobial gas to raise the concentration ofantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) in ambient air 302 until the sampledambient air 302 meets the target concentration threshold.

All microcontrollers referenced herein (including microcontroller 306),may have the computational ability and local data storage ability toenable closed-loop control of the antimicrobial gas generation system(including systems 300, 400, 600, and 700), including but not limitedto: (1) local storage and microcontroller operations on data from sensorsystems for antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂) levels to the spaceenvironment variables such as barometric pressure, humidity,temperature, occupancy, or sounds that may be used to alter generationsystem (including systems 300, 400, 600, and 700) performanceautomatically or via user intervention; (2) measurement, local storage,and microcontroller operations on data from microfluidic sub-systemssuch as mass/volume sensors of reagents, pressure generator performance,microfluidic chip-borne sensors, valve status and/or any otherelectronic sub-system to provide control as well as storage of systemperformance data for maintenance, alert, troubleshooting, inactive modesof operation, active modes of operation, and local setup.

In another aspect, the system (including systems 300, 400, 600, and 700)has a communication device connected to the microcontroller and/orelectronic components such that data from any electronic componentwithin, on, or connected to the systems (including systems 300, 400,600, and 700) or housing 304 can be gathered, locally stored, operatedon by the microcontroller, and transmitted to external data gatheringsystems on mobile and/or fixed devices.

In another aspect, machine learning and/or artificial intelligencealgorithms can be incorporated into the system (including systems 300,400, 600, and 700) microcontroller (including microcontroller 306) toalter system performance automatically or by user interactions. Anexample of local control includes alteration of system performance fordetection of a virus or bacteria in the ambient air, altitude,temperature, air changes in the local space measured by changes inantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂) concentration in the air of spacescontaining antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂), changes in occupancy byliving beings, alterations for user preference, prediction of cycles ofoccupancy/vacancy, alerts as to normal or abnormal performance of thesystem, and the like. In one aspect, microcontroller 306 is controlledby machine learning algorithms to alter system performance. In anotheraspect, microcontroller 306 is controlled by artificial intelligencealgorithms to alter system performance. Microcontroller 306 may altersystem performance automatically. Microcontroller 306 may alter systemperformance by control by a user. Microcontroller 306 may alter thesystem performance based upon at least one of: a detection of a virus orbacteria in the ambient air; an altitude of the system; a temperature ofthe system; changes in the ambient air measured by changes in aconcentration of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂) in ambient air; changesin occupancy by living beings of an area containing the system;alterations for a user’s preferences; prediction of cycles of occupancyand vacancy by living beings of the area containing the system; and adiagnosis of normal or abnormal performance of the system.

In another aspect, the system (including systems 300, 400, 600, and 700)for distribution and monitoring of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) ina three-dimensional space will be designed for a plurality of operatingmodes. A first operating mode may be designed for occupied spaces, whilea second operating mode may be designed for un-occupied spaces. Futureuser or engineered operating modes may be added. These operating modesmay be changed by authorized users on the system (including systems 300,400, 600, and 700) network (e.g., network 300) connected to a pluralityof system (including systems 300, 400, 600, and 700).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example blueprint of a network 500 of disinfectinggas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) generator systems 300 and sensors 536 distributedin rooms and spaces in a floor of a building. Network 500 illustrates afloor of a building bounded by exterior walls 538 and divided byinterior walls 540. Gas generator systems 300 may operate with theconfiguration and method of systems 300 or 400 described above, or 600or 700 described below, and thus may include disinfecting gas (e.g.,ClO₂ gas) concentration sensors. As illustrated, gas generator systems300 may be oriented in each individual room of the floor, as well as inopen spaces between the individual rooms. Standalone sensors 536(configured simply to sense the concentration of disinfecting gas, suchas ClO₂ gas, in the ambient air) supplement network 500 to ensure thatthe target concentration is achieved throughout network 500.

The various gas generator systems 300 may operate to generatedisinfecting gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) independent of one another, and atdifferent concentration target values depending upon the desiredfunction of a particular gas generator systems 300.

For example, where a room is occupied by a patient (e.g., in a hospitalor nursing facility), employee (e.g., in an office), a guest (e.g., in ahotel), or the like, the gas generator system 300 in that particularroom may have a target disinfecting gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) concentrationof about 50 ppb. After the room is no longer occupied (e.g., patient ismoved from the room for a set period of time, employee is gone for thenight, guest checks out, etc.), the gas generator system 300 in thatroom may increase its target disinfecting gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas)concentration to about 1,000 ppb to about 5,000 ppb for a set period oftime. In this manner, the room can be decontaminated (1,000 ppb to 5,000ppb concentration level, or 50,000 ppb to 300,000 ppb concentrationlevel for extreme pathogens) between its use by particular individuals,or on a regular time schedule, and maintain a lower safe (to humans)concentration of 50 ppb for prevention or mitigation of virus spreadingwhile occupied.

In another aspect, a plurality of systems 300 within a plurality ofspaces which are arranged into network 500 can be connected viacommunication devices (as described above) to each other for distributedcontrol via coordination of each system’s microcontroller (e.g.,microcontroller 306), centralized unit control, and/or a combination ofboth local and distributed control.

In another aspect, machine learning and/or artificial intelligencealgorithms can be incorporated into the distributed network 500 ofsystems 300 by the aspects described above. Examples of distributedcontrol include adjusting individual systems 300 to achieve uniformand/or deliberately non-uniform distribution of disinfecting gas (e.g.,ClO₂) in each individual generator system 300′s location across anentire building floor to the entire building due to changes indisinfecting gas (e.g., ClO₂) concentration from HVAC, consumption orself-dissipation of disinfecting gas, control of day/night generationcycles, sensing patterns across time, three-dimensional volumes,seasonal variations, and/or previously unknown factors that can besensed either directly by the sensor systems 300 in/on the network 500,inferred or traced to the signal measured, or directly traceable to thevariations observed in disinfecting gas (e.g., ClO₂) concentrationsacross a collection of systems 300 installed across distinctly separateand/or varying interconnection of real world spaces in which control ofinfectious species is desired.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate schematics of example systems 600 and 700 forgenerating and monitoring antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas). Systems600 and 700 are substantially similar to systems 300 and 400,respectively, except that air pumps 308A and 308B and pressure reliefvalves 310A and 310B are replaced with check valves 609A and 609B. Thesecheck valves are one-way, directional flow valves that permit thepassage of fluid through check valves 609A, 609B toward reagentcontainers 312A, 312B, but prevent the passage of fluid away fromreagent containers 312A, 312B through check valves 609A, 609B.

Such an arrangement may be used where reagent containers 312A, 312B arepressurized by an external source before or during assembly of systems600, 700. Thus, reagent containers 312A, 312B may be pressurizedcontainers housing reagents 314A, 314B, and as such do not need airpumps 308A, 308B to cause reagent 314A, 314B to flow to microfluidicmixer 320. The flow of pressurized reagent 314A, 314B may be controlledby a valve, such as valves 316A, 316B. When valves 316A, 316B areopened, pressurized reagent 314A, 314B may flow from pressurized reagentcontainers 312A, 312B, through microfluidic flow sensors 318A, 318B, andinto microfluid mixer 320.

In one aspect, a closed-loop system to maintain target concentrations ofan antimicrobial gas in the air, between lower bounds and upper bounds.The system may include an automated estimation of room volume (or arelated characteristic) based on calculated concentration decay of aprecise dosage of a gas. The system may be oriented within spaces wherethere is a desired and/or target gas concentration in a volume. Thesystem includes one or more of: (a) the capability to generate andrelease an antimicrobial gas, (b) the capability to measure theconcentration of the gas, (c) the capability to control the generationand release of the gas according to control parameters either programmedin software or controlled by digital or analog means, and/or (d) thecapability to adapt to changing conditions and still maintain the targetconcentration.

The system may include capabilities for use in any application where avolume is unknown, where the user desires to apply, create, and/orgenerate a gas (or similar) in that volume, and where the gas (orsimilar) has a known decay characteristic such as percent decay perminute.

The system provides an advantage in that the physical volume (e.g.,cubic feet or cubic meters) of the volume under treatment (e.g., a room)does not need to be previously known or previously calculated, and inputinto the system for the system to maintain a target concentration of anantimicrobial gas in the air. Where a system requires manual input of apredetermined volume (e.g., cubic feet or cubic meters), risk ofoverproduction (too high of a concentration to be safe) orunderproduction (too low of a concentration to effectively managemicrobials) is possible due to user volume miscalculation, user volumeentry errors, and the like.

Additionally, removing a requirement for manual space volume input by auser improves safety, cost efficiency, and streamlines the adaption ofthe system to changing conditions (e.g., a higher antimicrobialconcentration for decontamination versus a lower antimicrobialconcentration for maintenance, moving the system to a different volumeunder treatment (having a different physical volume).

The system’s automated physical volume estimation and calibration mayprovide a consistent, data-driven method for estimating a physicalvolume and the benefit of ensuring safe and efficient dosage anddispensing of an antimicrobial gas even if multiple same-size volumesexhibit different gas decay characteristics. The system permitsrecursive refinement of (a) the gas decay response (how the volume undertreatment (e.g., a room) reacts to the dosage), and (b) the optimizationof the gas generation and release cycle to improve target concentrationaccuracy and consistency (reduce overshoot or under-tolerance) whichimproves safety, cost efficiency, concentration consistency (so thatother factors do not have to be tightly controlled), and the like.

The data logging of the system’s sensor and other operating datagenerated may provide for stable, complete, regulatorily-required, andstandards-based reporting of long term conditions of the volume undertreatment and activities of the system suitable for submission torequired and desirable government and facility management programs.

The system may permit closed-loop intelligent, digital control of verysmall quantities of precursors in specific ratios (e.g., from 1:1 to1:n) and in varying dosages that are tailored for a volume undertreatment, monitored for status, traceability, and quality assurance,and which can be fine-tuned to respond to changing volume undertreatment conditions and/or adjusted to serve multiple treatmentscenarios. The system does not rely on manual intervention fortreatment, monitoring, or record keeping. The system adapts to changingconditions of the volume under treatment (e.g., light, HVAC, entry/exitof living beings, occupancy levels, and the like). The system mayinclude built-in recording, logging, and communications to cloudservices for accurate record keeping.

The system may utilize automated physical volume estimation. Automatedphysical volume estimation eliminates costly and error-pronemeasurements that would typically be used to define the treatmentparameters. When used recursively, the same or similar algorithm canperiodically be used to refine the treatment parameters in order tooptimize for one or more performance characteristics (e.g.,concentration consistency, lower operational cycle frequency, and thelike). The automated physical volume estimation provides input fortreatment parameters that are specific to the physical volume, andeliminates guesswork for setup parameters related to antimicrobialdosage.

In one example, a volume under treatment has an unknown physical volume.The system may generate enough gas to fill a 10 m³ room to aconcentration of 100 ppb. The system may wait for a specific durationand then measure the concentration of the antimicrobial gas in thevolume under treatment using the device’s sensor array. Knowing theexpected decay rate of the antimicrobial gas in a room, the system maycompare the measured antimicrobial gas concentration to the expectedantimicrobial gas concentration, and calculate a ratio. The system maythen apply the ratio to the 10 m³ room to obtain the estimated physicalvolume of the room. Finally, using either an algorithm or a scaledlookup table, the system may determine the desired generation “dose”based upon the estimated physical volume of the room.

The device and system may include various modes of operation, includinga normal mode of operation wherein the device at least one of: (a)establishes and maintains target concentration of an antimicrobial gaswithout external inputs, (b) records the performance of the device andstores the data, (c) communicates data and status when possible, (d)receives inputs from secure, authorized sources, and (e) shuts down whenoutside of normal operating parameters or upon experiencing an error.When the device is powered on, the device may assess the currentconditions, periodically generate an antimicrobial gas (e.g., CLO₂) andsense the resulting concentration of the antimicrobial gas in theambient atmosphere, ramping up to and maintaining a target concentrationusing closed-loop control. The device will thus generate, sense, andcommunicate its sensed concentrations. The device’s default mode may beautonomous operation.

FIG. 56 illustrates a diagram of an example system 5600 for variousoperational modes of the device, including one or more of: (a) anunpowered mode (no power is available to the device), (b) an off mode(power is available but the device is not generating or sensing), (c) aself-check mode (a standard power-on self-test (“POST”) for the deviceCPU, checking function of control, generator, sensing, and communicationsub-systems), (d) a setup mode (optional mode when device configurationneeds to be updated), (e) a standby mode (the device is not operational(no generation and no sensing) but the device is configured and haspower and communication functions), (f) an operational mode (the deviceis executing its prime directive of sensing, generating, recording, andreporting), and (g) a sense-only mode (the device is executing a portionof the prime directive, including sensing, recording and reporting, butnot generating).

Cloud communication or application-based communication (e.g., from amobile device such as a smart phone) may suggest a mode for the device,plus a duration of operation for that mode. The device may accept ordecline the suggestion. For safety, the mode setting may automaticallyexpire after some predetermined amount of time.

Standby mode (e) may include a binary toggle for the device to bepowered on and communicating, but not operating (no generation, nosensing). Standby mode may provide a power-on and communication-on modeused for reporting and/or audit access. Standby mode may also be usefulfor a device capability wherein the device is externally switched to theoperational mode (e.g., an onboard schedule or connected applicationtells the device to operate in operational mode (f)).

Sense-only mode (g) may include a binary toggle that disengages the gasgenerate function. Sense-only mode may retain communication and sensingfunctions. Sense-only mode (g) may be used when consumables required forantimicrobial gas (e.g., reagents) are empty. Sense-only mode may beactivated from an application and/or the system may include sense-onlyas an automatic default option when consumables are empty.

The system and device may be set to designate operational times during a7-day week. A default mode may be constant (e.g., 24 hours a day and 7days a week) autonomous generation required for the device to maintain atarget concentration in an operational mode. That is, the device isconstantly sensing, generating, recording, and reporting. A user mayactivate a preset timer to activate sense-only mode (g) for a desiredamount of time (e.g., x hours), wherein the device thereafter returns tooperational mode (f). Other possible schedules include a preset for aparticular work shift (e.g., first shift) wherein the device operatesfor set hours and days corresponding to that shift, which may be forexample 8AM - 5PM each day from Monday through Friday. Another possibleschedule may include an occasional daily “keep fresh” schedule asdesired by a user of x generation cycles per day while ignoring thetarget concentration, with the goal of keeping a vacant room freshand/or reduce mold and mildew growth. Finally, a user may be able tomake a custom schedule through the associated application.

Other possible device and system modes include a drone mode (h) whereinthe device and system operate on command from a controller (e.g., anedge device) and reports local measures while acting to ensure its ownsafety parameters are not exceeded. That is, the device and system maybe activated as a result of data provided by neighboring devices so asto buttress those neighboring devices. Other possible device and systemmodes include a team or flocking mode (i) wherein the device and systemreports local measures (from its sensors) to an edge device (e.g.,neighboring device). Team or flocking mode (i) may act in concert with anearby network of peer devices to monitor and maintain an antimicrobialgas concentration in a space larger than suitable for a single device.The devices in a flocked/team mode (i) may not know they are part of ateam; the cloud may gather the devices as a group based upon somerelationship (e.g., proximity to one another). The cloud may evaluatedata from each device and activate pre-defined onboard modes to togglethe performance of a device while maintaining the target concentrations.

The system integrates four primary sub-systems, which are supported bypower and physical housing, including: (a) command and controlsub-system, (b) communications sub-system, (c) sensing sub-system, and(d) generation sub-system.

(a) The control sub-system is illustrated as sub-system 5700 in FIG. 57. The control sub-system 5700 manages the other sub-systems and ensuresthat the device performs as expected. Control sub-system 5700 may managedevice initialization (new install) to prompt for and allowconfiguration of parameters that support normal operation, including oneor more of: (i) configure and store device identification and locationinformation, (ii) configure and store networking communicationssettings, and (iii) configure and store any other user preferences orperformance parameters.

Control sub-system 5700 may manage device startup (power on), which mayinclude checking communications sub-system, generation sub-system, andsensing sub-systems for any errors or conditions that would indicateagainst operation, including one or more of: (i) critical system errors,(ii) ambient conditions outside of operating parameters, (iii) gassensing conditions outside of operating parameters, and (iv) generatorerrors or insufficient consumables.

Control sub-system 5700 may determine a desired operating mode andsubsequently may run according to the operating mode, which may includeone or more of: (i) run sensor and read levels, (ii) check levelsagainst exposure limits, (iii) run generator if needed (iv) report onstatus, (v) wait for next cycle, and (vi) change mode and/or shut downthe system if warranted.

Control sub-system 5700 may listen for any interrupts or commands, loginformation locally, and communicate information externally.

A power system may support the device and system by taking input power(standard AC) and delivering output power to the components of thedevice and system. Alternatively, the power system draws from onboardstorage (e.g., batteries) to ensure device viability during periods ofabsence of facility power sources, and providing for the gracefulshutdown with assured storage of important data during extended facilitypower outages.

A housing may support the device and system by providing packaging,protection, and location support. The housing may: (a) hold and positionall of the components, (b) provide features for mounting to a wall orplacement on a surface, (c) protect the device from external hazards,including liquids, particles, and physical impacts, (d) provideaesthetic features increasing the acceptability of the presence of thedevice in occupied spaces, (e) provide additional security of theconsumable components should their supply containment fail, (f) providestandards based locations for product labeling and regulatory requiredinformation, (g) provide visually detectable device identification andauthentication features ensuring the manufacturers identity, (h) provideports for connections between internal components (e.g., onboard powersystem or networking system) and facility services (standard AC power,internet, and the like), (i) provide feedback device viewports (e.g., adisplay device or LED status lights), and/or (j) provide venting forthermal control of exhaust of heat and intake of room air formeasurements. The housing may additionally include electromagneticinterference (“EMI”) shielding to protect device components from EMIexposure and/or limit radiation of EMI from the device into thesurrounding environment.

(b) The communication sub-system connects either via standard wired(e.g., USB, serial wires, ethernet, and the like) and/or wirelessly(e.g., wireless ethernet, Bluetooth, near field communications, and thelike) to a network and exchanges data with a cloud service on anexternal network. Via the communication sub-system, the device andsystem may use networking to connect securely through a local intranetand to a cloud service on an external network. The communicationsprotocols may be secured using standard-based industry practicesincluding the exchange of security certificates held in securepersistent microelectronics resident on the device. Via thecommunication sub-system, the device may send performance, status, andhistory data to a cloud service for secure off-site storage as well asfurther analysis.

(c) The sensing sub-system utilizes a set of sensors, controls, airpumps, and air flow chambers to evaluate ambient air and measure and/orreport multiple parameters. A blower may move (pull) ambient air fromthe volume under treatment, through a filter, into a plenum that housesmultiple sensors which are connected to control sub-system 5700. Cleanambient air may be filtered to remove dust and other particles thatcould adversely affect the sensors; filters may be selected such thatthe filters do not interact with measured gas(es) or change thetemperature, relative humidity, or other parameters material to thefunctioning of one or more of the sensor components. Air may be routedthrough the plenum (a specifically designed set of ducts that route airacross multiple digital and/or analog sensors mounted to a sensorcircuit board). Air flow rates may be managed across a set of sensorsthrough control of the blower.

The sensors may measure and report values to control sub-system 5700,which is connected to the sensors via wires. The sensors may reporttemperature, humidity, the presence and activity of reducing and/oroxidizing gases including many commonly found volatile organic compounds(“VOCs”), and the specific gas of interest (e.g., antimicrobial gas) tothe system. VOCs may be characterized by the interpolation ofcharacteristic patterns of sensor readings at, for instance, differenttemperature settings of components of the digital sensing device. Atleast one additional, identical VOC sensor may provide redundantmeasurements related to VOCs. The additional VOC sensor may be leftinactive in order to act as a replacement should another sensor fail,thereby increasing the reliability and lifespan of the device andsystem. The additional VOC sensor may also be shielded from exposure toenvironmental gases and used as a baseline control to supportdifferential signal analysis. A control algorithm may adjudicate thefunctionality of one or more of the sensor devices such that data frommalfunctioning sensors may be excluded from further processing to avoidcorrupting the data.

(d) The generation sub-system utilizes differential pressure or pumps toconvey precursors in a specified ratio to a reactor, such as reactor5800 illustrated in FIG. 58 . Reactor 5800 may include at least oneperistaltic, or other high accuracy, pump(s) provide fluid handling. Thepumps may be digitally controlled and monitored to ensure accuratedosage and recordable history. Peristaltic pumps provide accurate dosemeasurement and may eliminate need for optional check valves or otherbackflow prevention, are capable of self-priming, and are tolerant ofbubbles in the hoses. Peristaltic pumps may use replaceable tube setswith one or more choices for tubing inner diameter to provide a widerange of precision and volume options. Peristaltic pumps can beindependent, or the pump heads can be combined to drive multipleparallel tube sets using the same motor drive, reducing motor cost andcomplexity.

The pump mechanism can be contained in a removable and/or replaceableconsumables cartridge to limit fluid connections or interfaces, andensure quality pumping for the life of the consumables because the tubesets and other mechanical components of the pump head will wear withusage. The pump mechanism can be custom designed for high volumeproduction, compact packaging, and predictable and reliable function.The pump mechanisms can be designed for very low power consumption,increasing the lifetime of the unit and extending the time betweenmaintenance and/or changes to, for instance, battery power systems.

Reactor 5800 includes a mixing chamber 5802 where two liquid reagentsmeet from two input tubes 5804, 5806, and two air chambers 5808, 5810that help direct the output antimicrobial gas to exit reactor 5800. Theliquid reagents react and generate the desired antimicrobial gas. Twoair chambers 5808, 5810 surround mixing chamber 5802, and each airchamber 5808, 5810 contains a hydrophobic membrane to keep the liquidsinside the fluid mixing chamber 5802. The two hydrophobic membranes maybe mechanically secured between the components of the reactor to preventleaks and ensure liquid containment. Reactor 5800′s design may beparametric to easily scale reactor 5800 for different doses. Reactor5800 may utilize a wide range of air pressures and flow rates toleverage existing air flow devices and reduce need for duplicatecomponents. In one aspect, the same blower used to pull air into thesensing sub-system may be used to push air into reactor 5800.

The blower may move (push) air into reactor 5800 in low volumes and lowpressures consistent with standards required for various volumes undertreatment, such as HVAC standards for hospital rooms. This air movedinto reactor 5800 may help facilitate liquid mixing, encourage thoroughantimicrobial gas generation, and usher the antimicrobial gas out of thedevice. The blower may be designed and deployed in the airflow pathwaysuch that incoming air is drawn through and over the sensor plenumbefore passing through the blower to remove the possibility of blowermaterials affecting the various measurements acquired by the sensors.

FIG. 59 illustrates a graph of concentration in ppb of antimicrobial gasversus time in minutes for a simulated operation of the system anddevice for a cubicle. The cubicle has a volume of 14 m³. The system anddevice generate antimicrobial gas in the amount of 8 µL/generationcycle. The antimicrobial gas is generated using 0.13 mL of precursor.The simulation and graph cover 120 minutes of operation. The upper lineis the room concentration of antimicrobial gas in ppb, while the lowerline is the concentration of antimicrobial gas generated in eachgeneration cycle, in ppb.

FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic of a closed-loop system 6000 to maintaintarget concentrations of an antimicrobial gas in the air, between lowerbounds and upper bounds. System 6000 includes a power supplyelectrically connected to a control sub-system 6002 and a combinedgeneration and sensing sub-system 6004. Specifically, the power supplymay be electrically connected to a controller unit of the controlsub-system 6002 and one or more pumps in the generation and sensingsub-system 6004.

The controller unit may include communication elements (part of acommunications sub-system) such as near-field communication (NFC),Bluetooth (BT), and Wi-Fi capabilities. The controller unit may includeinput/output ports such as universal serial bus (USB) and secure digital(SD) ports, which may also function as part of a communicationssub-system. The controller may include status lights (status LED)indicating power status, Wi-Fi status, Bluetooth status, and systemonline status. The controller unit may include analog and digital inputsand outputs. The controller may include power control operativelyconnected to an air pump driver and an air pump (e.g., a micro blower)of the generation and sensing sub-system 6004, and a pump controloperatively connected to the one or more pump of the generation andsensing sub-system 6004.

System 6000 uses the air pump of generation and sensing sub-system 6004to pull room air into a plenum that houses multiple pre-sensors.Alternatively, system 6000 may include multiple pre-sensors and/orsensors outside of the plenum. The air pump then moves that same roomair into a reactor in generation and sensing sub-system 6004 (thereactor may be similar to reactor 5800 for example, or any of thevariety of other reactors described herein). The reactor may receive twoor more reagents from tanks (e.g., tanks 1 and 2), pumped by pumps(e.g., pumps 1 and 2), into a mixing chamber. Waste from the mixingchamber may be directed out of the reactor, while a resultantantimicrobial gas may be directed into a plenum that houses multiplepost-sensors. The resultant antimicrobial gas may be introduced to theambient, room air for treatment of the room air.

Measurements and data from the pre-sensors and/or post-sensors may becommunicated to the controller for reporting, storage, and/or analysis.

Antimicrobial Target Control

In one aspect, the target concentration of antimicrobial in the volumeunder treatment may be controlled via a proportional, integral, andderivative (“PID”) control using mathematical calculations to take thekinetics of a complex system into account without knowing the underlyingcauses of some of the complex occurrences within that complex system.

PID does not need to understand what is causing the observed changes insystem dynamics. PID focuses upon the target concentration and theimmediate and past history of trying to achieve the target concentrationmathematically drives electronic to computation controls based uponmathematical operations on the target signal, rather than the complexand changing extrinsic (and often unmeasurable) real world causes ofdeflection from the target concentration.

System level performance changes may have real world impact in PIDcontrol schemes. For example, control constants may be adjusted to makethe system more responsive, acting to achieve the target concentrationmore rapidly. If the target concentration in the volume under treatmentis within allowable limits using this scheme, then this strategy can beemployed to ensure that the system is maximized for quick changes inresponse to volume under treatment changes, such as the number of peoplein the volume, the opening or closing of doors and windows, adjustmentof the HVAC system, and other events common in real world volumes undertreatment.

Alternatively, the PID may be set by varying only the three PIDconstants to make the system much slower in response, and designed tonever exceed a fixed hard maximum target (e.g., the maximum safeconcentration for a particular volume under treatment).

In another aspect, the target concentration of antimicrobial in thevolume under treatment may be controlled via a linear target controlincluding the following steps: (1) input or use automated volumeestimation to quantify the three-dimensional spatial volume of a volumeunder treatment; (2) measure the current antimicrobial concentration inthe volume under treatment via antimicrobial concentration sensing; (3a)if the concentration of the antimicrobial is zero or functionallyequivalent to zero (considering that concentration = mass/volume and thevolume is known or estimated in step 1), instruct the antimicrobialgenerator to express a mass of antimicrobial estimated to be sufficientto attain the desired target antimicrobial concentration in the knownvolume of the volume under treatment; and/or (3b) if the concentrationof the antimicrobial is non-zero, if the volume under treatmentconcentration is greater than the target antimicrobial concentrationthen the antimicrobial generator is held until the concentration is notgreater than the target; and if the volume under treatment concentrationis less than the target antimicrobial concentration then theantimicrobial generator is instructed to generate a mass proportional tothe target antimicrobial minus the volume under treatment concentration,multiplied by the volume of the volume under treatment to bring theconcentration of the antimicrobial in the volume under treatment to orabove the target concentration.

Safety Assurance

In a given volume under treatment, various factors may cause decreasesin antimicrobial concentration. The kinetics of decreases inantimicrobial concentration due to intrinsic characteristics associatedwith the volume under treatment may yield expected antimicrobialconcentration losses of between 0.1% and 25.0% per minute, with realworld expectations and experimental proof demonstrating a range ofbetween 1.0% and 6.0% for indoor rooms, and up to 25.0% for airplanesand small vehicles (e.g., automobile) volumes under treatment.

In one aspect, with the aforementioned loss rates in mind, theantimicrobial generators may be capable of dosing an antimicrobial tofill or make-up concentration in cycles that have a generation durationof at least 0.25 seconds.

The systems herein may include a circuit, algorithm, or secondarycomponent that can act as a programmable governor on the frequencygeneration (and the inverse delay durations) cycles of the antimicrobialgenerator. As opposed to simple delay circuits, in the context of adigital disinfection strategy, the systems described herein may varythis programmable governor based upon simple factors, including forexample: (1) the dispersion time variable; (2) the antimicrobial decayvariable; (3) the user input or estimated volume of the volume undertreatment; and (4) user input features of a volume under treatment,including for example, windows, doors, known HVAC design parameters, thepresence of absorptive materials in the volume under treatment (e.g.,furniture, carpet, curtains, bedding), and the like.

In another aspect, the systems described herein may be closed-loopsystem with the means to measure, record, store, and act on, within thetarget antimicrobial concentrations, a sensor signal proportional to orindicative of the concentration of an antimicrobial in the volume undertreatment. The closed-loop systems can use the antimicrobialconcentration sensing system to: (1) confirm that a cycle of emissionfrom the antimicrobial generator has the expected concentration effectin the volume under treatment; and/or (2) monitor the power consumption,activation voltages, amperages, or digital signals to components thatare utilized in the options of the antimicrobial generators describedherein.

With respect to (1) described immediately above, if one or more cyclesof generation have occurred and no volume under treatment concentrationis sensed by the antimicrobial concentration sensing device, theclosed-loop system will pause/stop/disable the generation unit andensure that visual, auditory, tactile, and/or data-drivenalerts/alarms/warnings are issued to avoid providing a dangerousconcentration of antimicrobial to the volume under treatment. Where theconcentration in a volume under treatment exceeds an accepted targetantimicrobial concentration, an alert may be issued for anon-threatening overconcentration, while an alarm and a stop to allgeneration activities is issued for a threatening overconcentration.Where the concentration in a volume under treatment does not reach thetarget antimicrobial concentration when the closed-loop system expectsit to reach that concentration (as sensed by the antimicrobialconcentration sensing system), then generation activities may be stoppedand service personnel may be alerted to examine the unit to ascertainwhy the target function of the closed-loop system is not being achieved.

With respect to (2) described immediately above, where the antimicrobialgenerator is an electrochemical generation with cationic membrane orelectrochemical generation with evaporative extraction, measurement ofthe duration of the applied voltage, amperage, and/or power consumptionmay result in the closed-loop system shutting down generation wherethose voltages, amperages, or power consumption values exceed thresholdvalues. This generation shut down may occur regardless of whether theantimicrobial concentration sensing system has detected an error. Thegeneration shut down may trigger an alert or alarm depending upon howmuch the threshold values were exceeded.

Where the antimicrobial generator includes UV with evaporativeextraction, the duration that the UV emitter is on, total powerconsumed, and the like, can be disabled once a particular threshold isachieved, independent of the other channels of data.

Where the antimicrobial generator includes two chemicals withevaporative extraction, including the use of liquid precursors, anindependent encoder on a pump driver’s shaft, or a time of drivervoltage, amperage, pulse width modulation, and/or other signals can betotaled and compared to safe threshold values.

Antimicrobial Generation Systems and Devices

FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700 that is substantially similar tosystem 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 and described above, where likereference numbers indicate like elements. System 1700 additionallyincludes pressurized aerosol containers 1786A and 1786B. Aerosolcontainer 1786A may contain liquid precursor 902, while aerosolcontainer 1786B may contain liquid activator 904. Liquid precursor 902and liquid activator 904 may be delivered to a reaction chamber 906using the pressure within containers 1786A and 1786B to cause thedelivery. Such an embodiment may eliminate the need for electricallypowered components for antimicrobial generation and dispersal.

FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate a reactor 1800 for generating an antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas). Reactor 1800 may be a prepackaged device loadedwith a liquid precursor 902 and a liquid activator 904 within containersinside reactor 1800. Liquid precursor 902 may be sealed within itscontainer and may require pressurized air to flow into reaction chamber906. Liquid activator 904 may be sealed within its container and mayrequire pressurized air to flow into reaction chamber 906.

Reactor 1800 may include a housing 1840 containing liquid precursor 902,activator 904, a reaction chamber 906, and a waste liquid container 916,wherein device elements are machined or otherwise formed out of ahousing material, as in common in the production of microfluidicdevices. Reactor 1800 may be a microfluidic device.

Reactor 1800 may include a pressure input 1841 capable of applying anair pressure to liquid precursor 902 and activator 904 to break sealswithin their respective containers and/or cause them to travel toreaction chamber 906. Pressure input 1841 may receive pressure from apump, a syringe, or the like.

Reaction chamber 906 may include a capillary filter 1842 that permitswaste liquid to travel into waste liquid container 916 via capillaryaction. Waste liquid container 916 may include an inactivator,neutralizing agent, or the like capable of rendering waste liquid fromreaction chamber 906 into a safe state.

Reaction chamber 906 may include a gas permeable membrane 1844, whichallows an antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) created in reaction chamber906 to pass through membrane 1844 at a controlled rate but prevents awaste liquid from reaction chamber 906 from passing through membrane1844. Antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) may exit reactor 1800 via a gasoutlet 1843. Gas outlet 1843 may permit antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂gas) to exit reactor 1800 and enter the surrounding area, including forexample an enclosed space (e.g., a room within a building).

As illustrated in FIG. 18D, reactor 1800 may include a cover 1846 thatseals the above-referenced contents (e.g., liquid precursor 902,activator 904, reaction chamber 906, and waste liquid container 916)within housing 1840.

FIGS. 19A-19I illustrate a reactor 1900 for generating a disinfectinggas (e.g., ClO₂ gas). Reactor 1900 may include a housing 1950 having anupper surface 1952. Housing 1950 may include a container 1970 and areaction chamber 1972 connected to one another by a chamber duct 1976,wherein device elements are machined or otherwise formed out of ahousing material, as in common in the production of microfluidicdevices. Reactor 1900 may be a microfluidic device.

Container 1970 may include a solid container cover 1954 oriented on ornear upper surface 1952. Reaction chamber 1972 may include a reactionchamber cover 1956 oriented on or near upper surface 1952. Reactionchamber cover 1956 may include an outlet 1960 having an aperture 1958 influid communication with the interior of reaction chamber 1972. Aperture1958 may include a gas permeable membrane that allows a gas (e.g., ClO₂)to pass through, but prevents a liquid (e.g., waste liquid) from passingthrough.

Chamber duct 1976 may include a valve 1980. Valve 1980 may be a checkvalve, backflow valve, seal, or the like that prevents the contends ofcontainer 1970 and the contents of reaction chamber 1972 from cominginto contact with one another until a user selectively causes thecontents of container 1970 to be transferred to reaction chamber 1972.

Container 1970 may contain a liquid activator as described above, whilereaction chamber 1972 may contain a liquid or solid precursor (e.g.,liquid NaClO₂ or solid NaClO₂). Alternatively, container 1970 maycontain a liquid precursor (e.g., NaClO₂) as described above, whilereaction chamber 1972 contains a solid activator or liquid activator.

Housing 1950 may include an end 1964 including a pressurization device1962. Pressurization device may include any device capable ofpressurizing the contents of container 1970, thereby causing thecontents of container 1970 to overcome and pass valve 1980 and enterreaction chamber 1972. Pressurization device 1962 may include a plungerdevice including a hollow body 1966 extending from end 1964 and in fluidcommunication with container 1970 via a pressurization duct 1974, and aplunger 1968 extending into hollow body 1966. As illustrated in FIGS.19H and 19I, plunger 1968 may be actuated by a user and pressed intohollow body 1966, thus causing pressurization of the contents ofcontainer 1970, which overcome and pass valve 1980 and flow intoreaction chamber 1972. Antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) is allowed toescape aperture 1958 via an optional gas permeable membrane, while wasteliquid is contained within reaction chamber 1972 until reactor 1900 iscleaned and recharged (fresh precursor and activator is added).

Pressurization device 1962 may be removable. Alternatively,pressurization device 1962 may be entirely separate from housing 1950and may be applied to housing 1950 by a user only when the user desiresto activate reactor 1900. Pressurization duct 1974 may likewise includea valve 1980, which may be a check valve, backflow valve, seal, or thelike.

FIGS. 20A-20D illustrate a reactor 2000 for generating an antimicrobialgas (e.g., ClO₂ gas). Reactor 2000 may be a prepackaged device loadedwith a liquid precursor 902, and a solid activator 1330 withincontainers inside reactor 2000. Liquid precursor 902 may be sealedwithin its container and may require pressurized air to flow intoreaction chamber 906. Solid activator 1330 may be sealed within thereaction chamber 906.

Reactor 2000 may include a housing 2040 containing liquid precursor 902,activator 1330, a reaction chamber 906, and a waste liquid container916, wherein device elements are machined or otherwise formed out of ahousing material, as in common in the production of microfluidicdevices. Reactor 2000 may be a microfluidic device.

Reactor 2000 may include a pressure input 2041 capable of applying anair pressure to liquid precursor 902 to break a seal within itscontainer and/or cause liquid precursor 902 to travel to reactionchamber 906. Pressure input 2041 may receive pressure from a pump, asyringe, or the like.

Reaction chamber 906 may include a capillary element 2042 that permitswaste liquid to travel into waste liquid container 916 via capillaryaction. Waste liquid container 916 may include an inactivator,neutralizing agent, or the like capable of rendering waste liquid fromreaction chamber 906 into a safe state.

Reaction chamber 906 may include a gas permeable membrane 2044, whichallows antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) created in reaction chamber906 to pass through membrane 2044 at a controlled rate but prevents awaste liquid from reaction chamber 906 from passing through membrane2044. Antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) may exit reactor 2000 via a gasoutlet 2043. Gas outlet 2043 may permit antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂gas) to exit reactor 2000 and enter the surrounding area, including forexample an enclosed space (e.g., a room within a building).

As illustrated in FIG. 20D, reactor 2000 may include a cover 2046 thatseals the above-referenced contents (e.g., liquid precursor 902,reaction chamber 906, and waste liquid container 916) within housing2040.

FIGS. 23A-23G, and FIG. 24 illustrate an example antimicrobial gas(e.g., ClO₂ gas) generator 2300, 2400, respectively. Generator 2400 issubstantially similar to generator 2300, but includes a second reagentcontainer 2356, a second pressure generator 2366, and all associatedducts and passages to permit the second reagent to flow to a generationchamber 2374.

Antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) generator 2300, 2400 may include abase 2354, at least one reagent container 2356 holding a liquid reagent2358, and a reagent container lid 2360 with air permeable sealconfigured to prevent escape of liquid reagent 2358.

Within base 2354, at least one pressure chamber 2362 is oriented belowat least one reagent container 2356, with at least one chamber passage2364 in communication with pressure chamber 2362 and reagent container2356. At least one pressure generator 2366 is oriented in communicationwith both pressure chamber 2362 and passage 2364, such that pressuregenerator 2366 can selectively block or unblock the entrance of chamberpassage 2364 into pressure chamber 2362. Pressure generator 2366 isbiased into a position by at least one biasing device 2368. Biasingdevice 2368 may be a common biasing device such as a spring. Biasingdevice 2368 may bias pressure generator 2366 into an open position.Biasing device 2368 may bias pressure generator 2366 into a closedposition.

At least one fluid duct 2370 extends through base 2354 from pressurechamber 2362 to a microfluidic chip 2372. Microfluidic chip 2372 mayinclude a generation chamber 2374. A generation duct 2376 may extendpartly through base 2354 and partly through the wall of an off-gas andwaste chamber 2378. Chamber 2378 may include an absorber material, anevaporator, or the like. Chamber 2378 may include an absorber materialfor absorbing spent reagent waste. Chamber 2378 may include aninactivator for waste. Chamber 2378 may include a gas permeable lid 2380configured to allow the passage of antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas)out of chamber 2378. Lid 2380 may be a gas permeable membrane.

Each of the reagent container 2356, microfluidic chip 2372, and off-gasand waste chamber 2378 may be attached to and supported upon base 2354.

In operation, pressure generator 2366 begins in its closed position, asillustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23B. In this position, pressure generator2366 seals chamber passage 2364, such that no liquid reagent 2358 mayenter chamber 2362. Upon an instruction to generate antimicrobial gas(such as ClO₂ gas) (e.g., from a microcontroller such as microcontroller306), pressure generator 2366 moves to its open position, as illustratedin FIGS. 23C and 23D. Liquid reagent 2358 passes out of reagentcontainer 2356 and into pressure chamber 2362. Pressure chamber 2362 maybe sized and shaped to permit a specific desired volume of liquidreagent 2358 to fill pressure chamber 2362 for transfer to microfluidicchip 2372. Finally, pressure generator 2366 moves back to its closedposition, as illustrated in FIGS. 23E-23G, at once sealing chamberpassage 2364 to prevent further introduction of liquid reagent 2358 fromreagent container 2356, and pressurizing the liquid reagent withinchamber 2362, so as to force the liquid reagent through the remainder ofthe system. Specifically, the liquid reagent is forced through fluidduct 2370, through generation chamber 2374, through generation duct2376, and into off-gas and waste chamber 2378. Here, liquid waste 2382is captured within chamber 2378, while antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂gas) 2384 passes through gas permeable lid 2380 and into the ambientenvironment.

It is understood that more than one cycle of pressure generator 2366from its closed position, to its open position, and back to its closedposition, may be required to push reagent 2358 completely through thesystem. Particularly, when antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas) generator2300 is new, a few cycles of pressure generator 2366 may be required tobegin generating antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas).

As illustrated in FIGS. 23A-23G, generator 2300 may include a singleliquid reagent 2358 that enters generation chamber 2374 to generate anantimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas). Thus, microfluidic chip 2372 mayutilize a microfluidic electrochemical generator as described above.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 23A-23G, generator 2300 mayinclude a single liquid reagent 2358 comprising NaClO₂ that entersgeneration chamber 2374 where a solid activator is contained, thusgenerating an antimicrobial gas, such as ClO₂ gas.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 24 , generator 2400 may includetwo separate reagent containers 2356, with two separate pressurechambers 2362, two separate pressure generators 2366, and two separatefluid ducts 2370, such that the two separate liquid reagents entergeneration chamber 2374 separately where they combine and mix togenerate antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂ gas).

Pressure generator 2366 may be actuated via a connection to an actuator(not shown), including for example an electric motor, including anelectric step motor, or the like. Pressure generator 2366 may be aplunger and may generate pressure via translation fore and aft(longitudinally).

Pressure generator 2366 may be, and translate in a direction, coaxialwith chamber 2362 and fluid duct 2370. Pressure generator 2366 may beoriented at, and translate in a direction at, an angle to chamberpassage 2364. In one aspect, pressure generator 2366 translates along anaxis that is at a right angle (90 degrees) from the axis of chamberpassage 2364.

Generator 2300, 2400 may include one or more control valves (not shown)in communication with pressure generator(s) 2366 and/or reagentcontainer(s) 2356. Likewise, one or more control valve (not shown) maybe in communication with chamber passage(s) 2364 and microfluidic chip2372. These valves may selectively permit, prevent, or otherwise controlthe flow of reagents into generation chamber 2374. Generator 2300, 2400may include a sensor system for determining the quantity, mass, volume,or the like of reagents transiting chamber passage(s) 2364.

As such, while these alternative embodiments are not illustrated, theyare contemplated and as such, the figures are not intended to belimiting.

Antimicrobial Distribution Systems and Devices

FIG. 37 illustrates a system 3700 generating antimicrobial gas or vaporexternal to a sealed environment for disinfecting items therein. FIGS.38A and 38B illustrate a system 3800 generating antimicrobial gas orvapor within a sealed environment for disinfecting items in the sealedenvironment. FIG. 40 illustrates methods of generating antimicrobial gasor vapor within a sealed environment or external to the sealedenvironment to disinfect items within the sealed environment. FIGS. 41Aand 41B illustrate ClO₂ efficacy test data on controlled samples.

As used herein, the term “items” may include both personal protectiveequipment (“PPE”) and non-PPE items, such as personal items, garments,medical equipment, apparel, garments, shoes, personal electronicdevices, furniture, office supplies, built-in structures, drapes,fabrics, utensils, fixtures, decorative items, food, and plants. Inaddition, the term “sealed environment” may include any of: a sealablebag, a tent, a storage container, a drum, a tumbler drum, a chamber, aroom, an office, a store, a warehouse, a home, a hospital, a floor of amulti-level building, a cabin, an aircraft cabin, a vehicle cabin, ashipping container, a surface vessel cabin, an underwater vessel cabin,public transportation vehicles.

Apparatuses/systems 3700 and 3800 utilize an antimicrobial gas, such aschlorine dioxide (ClO₂) gas, for disinfecting PPE including, withoutlimitation, N95 respirators, surgical masks, protective suits, goggles,and helmets, making them safe for reuse by healthcare professionals andpatients, as well as personal items and facilities in office and homesettings. In addition, the disclosed methods and apparatuses may beapplicable to general decontamination of contained spaces and items.

The technology has been shown effective against an Ebola surrogate oncommon hard surface and porous household materials and as abroad-spectrum chemical and biological decontaminant for sensitiveequipment. The feasibility of disinfecting and reusing N95 masks haspreviously been demonstrated using hydrogen peroxide gas or vapor, butthe need for specialized (and expensive) equipment requires movingused/contaminated N95 masks to a single location for treatment.

With the proposed approach, used N95s may be placed in a sealablechamber and exposed to the headspace of an antimicrobial gas (e.g., ClO₂solution, generated on-site and at the time of use). After a shortantimicrobial gas generation period, dissolved antimicrobial gas isoff-gassed within the chamber, allowing the antimicrobial gas topenetrate and disinfect the respirators. After a sufficient disinfectionperiod, the liquid and gas disinfection solution (e.g., ClO₂) areneutralized before opening the chamber to retrieve the disinfected N95s.Neutralization may be performed by adding a small quantity ofneutralizing agent, such as a non-hazardous dry chemical packaged withthe kit. The spent disinfection solution and any packaging materials arethen disposed as non-hazardous waste. The system design is veryscalable, from a single item construct for small batches (approx. 1 - 20respirators) to a room-size chambers or dedicated rooms for largebatches (hundreds or thousands of N95s) for use at treatment facilities,forward operating bases, or hospitals to treat large numbers of N95masks and other equipment. The method requires no electricity, and thedecontamination kit (including the reactive ingredients and a container,such as a plastic bag) can be easily transported with other fieldequipment. Optionally, gas dispersion units (“GDU”) within largeroom-size chambers for dedicated rooms for large batches may includefans or blowers to accelerate the liberation of ClO₂ while forcing ClO₂out into the enclosure for faster and more uniform distribution. The GDUmay require very little power (e.g., may be operated with a battery).

Preliminary efficacy testing (FIGS. 41A and 41B) has been conducted bycontaminating nine coupons cut from an N95 with 7.7-logs of Phi6bacteriophage (surrogate for Coronavirus and Ebola) prepared in anorganic test soil. Coupons were exposed to ClO₂ gas generated from 6liters of a 180 ppm ClO₂ solution in an 82-L container. A small fan wasdirected across the surface of the ClO₂ solution to aid in off-gassingand mixing. Coupons were removed after 1.50, 2.25, and 3.00 hours; theexposure times correspond to three treatment levels: 1500, 2200, and2800 ppm-hours, respectively. Control coupons were held under ambientconditions for the duration of the experiment (3 hours). Aftertreatment, the coupons were assayed; for all three treatment levels, novirions were recovered from the coupons treated with ClO₂ gas. For allthree treatment levels, a 6-log reduction of virons was observed. FIGS.41A and 41B show the recovered virions and log reduction observed foreach treatment level. The limit of detection (LOD) for this assay was1.7-logs. Based on this initial test, ClO₂ gas was effective against thePhi6 surrogate and 6-log reduction was achieved in less than 90 minutes.

FIG. 37 is another schematic diagram of a system 3700 including anapparatus 3710 generating antimicrobial gas or vapor external to asealed environment 3750 for disinfecting items therein. System 3700 mayinclude a gas or vapor generator apparatus 3710 coupled to a heatingventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system or a humidifier systemto pass humidified disinfecting gas or vapor (e.g., ClO₂ gas or vapor)from a concentrated chlorine dioxide solution 3702, and the humidifieddisinfecting gas or vapor 3730 (e.g., ClO₂ gas or vapor) may be furtherevaporated through a heater 3720 that may be recirculated within thesealed environment for disinfecting items therein.

System 3700 may additionally include a pump 3704 for pumping ClO₂solution 3702 to generator apparatus 3710. A water line 3706 may providewater to generator apparatus 3710. A generator controller 3708 may actto control, permit user input into, or both, generator apparatus 3710. AClO₂ sensor 3734 may be oriented within sealed environment 3750 and maybe in communication with (wired or wireless) a process controller 3736.Process controller 3736 may ultimately control all antimicrobial gas orvapor generation of system 3700, including receiving data from sensor3734 regarding the concentration of disinfecting gas or vapor withinsealed environment 3750. Process controller 3736 may cause thegeneration of more or less disinfecting gas or vapor 3730 to achieve adesired antimicrobial gas or vapor concentration, based upon datareceived from sensor 3734.

The items for disinfection may include one or more of: healthcarepersonal protective equipment (“PPE”), medical equipment, apparel,garments, shoes, personal electronic devices, furniture, officesupplies, built-in structures, drapes, fabrics, utensils, fixtures,decorative items, plants, and packaged or unpackaged food.

Sealed environment 3750 may be any of: a sealable bag, a tent, acontainer, a drum, a tumbler drum, a chamber, a room, an office, astore, a warehouse, a home, a floor of a multi-level building, a cabin,an aircraft cabin, a vehicle cabin, a surface vessel cabin, anunderwater vessel cabin. Disinfecting the items contained in sealedenvironment 3750 may achieve destruction of one or more of: microbialorganisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi, pests, toxins, germs, mites, bedbugs, and the like.

FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrate a system 3800 for generating antimicrobialgas or vapor within a sealed environment for disinfecting items in thesealed environment. System 3800 may include apparatuses 3810 and 3860for generating antimicrobial vapor within a sealed environment fordisinfecting items in the sealed environment (3820, 3830, 3840, 3850).

In FIG. 38A, system 3800 includes an apparatus 3810 (e.g., shop vacuum)used to evacuate 3812 (via a suction side 3813) a sealed environment3820 (e.g., large bag) through a single passage 3822. After theevacuation, sealed environment 3820 may be back filled 3814 (via anexhaust side 3815) with antimicrobial gas or vapor through singlepassage 3822 for disinfecting items 3824 therein.

In FIG. 38B, apparatus 3860 may be used to evacuate (via a suction side3813) and a plurality of sealed environments 3830, 3840, 3850, andbackfill (via an exhaust side 3815) the plurality of sealed environments3830, 3840, 3850 with antimicrobial gas or vapor through respectivepassages 3832, 3842, 3852 for disinfecting items therein. Alternatively,as illustrated in FIG. 38B, apparatus 3860 may be used as a gas or vaporgenerator within a sealed environment 3870. Sealed environment 3870 maybe anyone of: a sealable bag, a tent, a container, a drum, a tumblerdrum, a chamber, a room, an office, a store, a warehouse, a home, afloor of a multi-level building, a cabin, an aircraft cabin, a vehiclecabin, a surface vessel cabin, an underwater vessel cabin.

FIG. 40 illustrates a method 4000 for generating antimicrobial gas orvapor within a sealed environment or external to the sealed environmentto disinfect items within the sealed environment. Method 4000 includes:providing an antimicrobial vapor to an enclosed environment (step 4002);generating the antimicrobial vapor within the enclosed environmentthrough one of: (step 4004) (a) pumping a controlled concentration levelof liquid chlorine dioxide solution into a humidifier system to producea stream of chlorine dioxide antimicrobial vapor, (b) directly pumping acontrolled concentration level of chlorine dioxide antimicrobial vaporto an ambient of the enclosed environment, (c) generating ambientchlorine dioxide antimicrobial vapor by dissolving solid chlorinedioxide reagent into a container filled with water; and placing thecontainer that releases the ambient chlorine dioxide antimicrobial vaporinto the enclosed environment, (step 4006); generating the antimicrobialvapor external to the enclosed environment through one of: (step 4008)(a) pumping a controlled concentration level of liquid chlorine dioxidesolution into a humidifier system to produce a stream of chlorinedioxide antimicrobial vapor, (b) directly pumping a controlledconcentration level of liquid chlorine dioxide antimicrobial vapor toingress the enclosed environment through a single passage of theenclosed environment, and (c) directly pumping a controlledconcentration level of chlorine dioxide antimicrobial vapor to ingressthe enclosed environment through a first passage of the enclosedenvironment (step 4010).

As illustrated, method 4000 optionally performs step 4002 followed bysteps 4004 and 4006, or performs step 4002 followed by steps 4008 and4010.

FIG. 42 illustrates an apparatus 4200 that generates antimicrobial gasor vapor for disinfecting items in three-dimensional space. FIG. 43illustrates an apparatus 4300 that generates antimicrobial gas or vaporfor disinfecting items in three-dimensional space. FIG. 44 illustrates aprocedure 4400 for the use of apparatus 4300 in FIG. 43 to generateantimicrobial gas. FIG. 45 illustrates a table showing temperatureeffects to solubility of ClO₂ gas in water and in air and requiredamount of ClO₂ gas for a defined room size. FIG. 46 illustrates auniformity of ClO₂ gas concentration distributed within a room. FIG. 47illustrates gas concentration profiles in room setting with furniture.FIG. 48 illustrates relative humidity and generated ClO₂ gasconcentration from a ClO₂ solution. FIG. 49 illustrates a correlation ofincrease in disinfection efficacy with elevated humidity. FIG. 50illustrates a method 5000 for generating an antimicrobial gas anddispersing the gas via an apparatus.

FIGS. 42 and 50 illustrate an example of a mobile apparatus 4200performing a computer implemented method 5000 to generate and dispersean antimicrobial gas 4220 to a defined volume of space. Method 5000includes performing the following steps: measuring a volume of space tobe disinfected (step 5002); setting by a controller 4231, disinfectionparameters based on the measured volume of space 4250 to be disinfected(step 5004), wherein the disinfection parameters comprising at least thefollowing: (a) determining an optimal location of the apparatus 4200 inthe volume of space for uniform dispersion of the antimicrobial gas4220, (b) a time duration of disinfection cycle, (c) a minimum amount ofantimicrobial gas required to be generated, (d) a flow rate ofantimicrobial gas generation, a volume of antimicrobial solution, and aconcentration of antimicrobial solution 4205 to meet the required flowrate of antimicrobial gas 4220, (e) a range of antimicrobial gasrelative humidity to be used during a disinfection cycle (step 5006).Afterwards, activating the apparatus 4200 to run the disinfection cycleuntil completion; discharging through a plurality of nozzles 4210 whichare mounted on an oscillating head 4212, the antimicrobial gas 4220 tovolume of space 4250.

Method 5000 may further include: monitoring periodically, a reading ofantimicrobial gas concentration at a plurality of remote locations (by aplurality of remote sensors 4242-4248) within volume of space 4250during the disinfection cycle and adjusting one or more of: theantimicrobial gas flow rate and the antimicrobial gas concentration foruniform antimicrobial gas dispersion in volume of space 4250 (step5010).

Measuring of the volume of space may be performed by an integratedon-board laser beam scanner 4214. The method may include oscillatingalong an axis, the plurality of nozzles 4210 mounted on the oscillatinghead 4212 in a full circle or less than a half circle. The method mayinclude: in response to the monitored reading of the antimicrobial gasconcentration at each of the plurality of locations 4242-4248,configuring one or more respective nozzles 4210 mounted on theoscillating head 4212 to perform one or a combination of the followingto offset concentration differences of the antimicrobial gas at theplurality of locations: adjusting a vertical angle of the nozzle,adjusting a discharge flow rate of the antimicrobial gas, and adjustinga discharge pressure of the antimicrobial.

In response to the monitored reading of the antimicrobial gasconcentration at each of the plurality of locations 4242-4248, themethod may include varying a fan speed of a first blower 4206 whichsucks the antimicrobial gas 4208 released from an antimicrobial solutioncontained in a reactor 4204. The antimicrobial gas may be released fromthe antimicrobial solution in vapor phase at the range of relativehumidity (RH) according the setting of the controller 4231, wherein therange of relative humidity of the vapor phase is correlated to atemperature of the antimicrobial solution 4205.

The antimicrobial gas or vapor 4220 may be one of: chlorine dioxide(ClO₂) gas or vapor and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) gas or vapor. The ClO₂gas or vapor may be generated by chemically reacting a chloritecontaining compound with an activator and the H₂O₂ gas or vapor isgenerated by chemically reacting a urea hydrogen peroxide, borax,perborate, or percarbonate compound with the activator, wherein theactivator includes an acid or a proton donating solvent. The chlorite orperoxide containing compound and the activator are separately packagedas anhydrous powder or separately packaged as concentrated solutionpackages which are to be mixed together in the reactor 4206 to form theantimicrobial solution 4205.

Upon completion of the disinfection cycle, an aeration cycle may bestarted for a defined duration of time to adsorb ambient antimicrobialgas in the volume of space. Alternately, the aeration may also takeplace during the antimicrobial dispersing cycle to facilitatehomogeneity of the antimicrobial gas 4220 in ambient. More specifically,the aeration cycle may be performed by drawing and recirculating by asecond blower 4207, ambient air through a carbon/HEPA filter 4224disposed at an inlet 4209 of the apparatus, and venting filtered air atan outlet 4211 of the apparatus, wherein the second blower 4207 isphysically disposed below and away from the first blower, such that theantimicrobial gas or vapor in the ambient is adsorbed by the carbon/HEPAfilter 4224.

The mobile apparatus 4200 may be mounted on wheels 4228 to providemobility. The method may include sending a warning signal from themobile apparatus in a situation including one or a combination of: (1)when the antimicrobial gas or vapor 4250 in the ambient air exceeds adefined unsafe level, (2) malfunctioning of either the first blower 4206or the second blower 4207, or (3) depletion of antimicrobial solution4205 in the reactor 4206. The warning signal may be visual, audible,transmitted wirelessly to a remote device (e.g., phone), or anycombination thereof.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate an example of a mobile apparatus 4300performing a computer implemented method 4400 to generate and dispersean antimicrobial gas or vapor 4310 for disinfecting items inthree-dimensional space. Apparatus 4300 may include a humidifier unit4302, a main unit 4304, a support element 4306, a filtered air outlet4308, a carbon filter intake 4312, main unit fans 4314, a gas sensor4316, a removable remote and data readout tablet 4318, an oscillatingtower fan 4322 with fan outlet 4320, under cart storage and portablebattery placement area 4324, and a cycle indicator light 4326. Apparatus4300 may be mobile and placed upon wheels for easy transport into andfrom a three-dimensional space to be disinfected.

Method 4400 may include turning a cap 4436 of a concentrated solutionbottle 4432, 4434 to “prime” and let sit for at 2 hours; place bottles4432, 4434 into container unit 4402 (of humidifier unit 4302); turn caps4436 of bottles 4432, 4434 to “in use” and close lid down to lockbottles 4432, 4434 into the system’s pump; place container unit 4402into mobile apparatus 4300 adjacent to main unit 4404; remove remote4318 from apparatus 4300 and leave the room to be treated, and whenyellow light 4441 illuminates, apparatus 4300 will begin pumping fluidinto main unit 4404; when green light 4442 illuminates, apparatus 4300is ready to begin disinfection; when blue light 4443 illuminates,apparatus 4300 has begun its cycle and humidifier 4302 and fans 4314,4322 are activated; when the disinfection cycle is complete, adeactivation command will appear, and UV lights 4446 and chemicalrelease will cause the system to deactivate; when red light 4444illuminates, apparatus 4300′s cycle is complete, it is safe for the userto return to the disinfected room, and the fluid has been pumped out ofmain unit 4304, 4404 and into the original bottles 4432, 4434; containerunit 4402 will unlock upon replacement of remote 4318 back uponapparatus 4300, bottles 4432, 4434 may be inspected and caps 4436 may beset to “dispose” and discarded.

In another aspect, the process of generating antimicrobial gas mayinclude the following steps:

1. Steps in Process

a. User inputs room identifying information (or automated via RFID tag)and selects disinfection routine via touch screen, Bluetooth or WIFIcommunication.

i. Disinfection cycle may vary based on need, e.g., short-cyclesanitization, between patient turnover, known contagion in room,deodorizing, and the like.

ii. Laser scanner to calculate room dimensions/volume, or user-selectedoptions to determine size of a room which may include a combination ofuser input, laser scanning, and in response to gas concentration levelsmeasured by the system sensors.

iii. Disinfection cycle parameters (e.g., RH, ramp up, concentration,time, aeration) based on data models for targeted level of disinfectionand room size.

1. Actual data will be recorded for each cycle for each room and used torefine models, in general and for specific rooms/spaces.

iv. User provided feedback giving estimated time to run disinfectioncycle.

v. Warning light activated indicating cycle about to start (occupantsshould leave the room).

b. Device executes user selected disinfection routine based on datamodel.

i. Warning light changes color indicating cycle has started; user isnotified via remote monitoring app.

ii. Conditions the room to target RH value (based on remote sensorfeedback).

iii. Calculates rate of antimicrobial gas generation needed to reachtarget concentration (ppm) during pre-determined time window for initialramp up.

iv. Generates and dispenses antimicrobial gas at calculated rate.

v. Uses forced air flow and directional and/or rotating nozzles todispense gas into room volume.

vi. CFM is in excess of gas generation uptake rate and enough touniformly mix gas in room volume.

vii. Intake air for gas antimicrobial mixing is HEPA filtered.

viii. Adjusts rate of antimicrobial gas generation to hit targeted rateduring ramp up based on feedback from remote chemical sensors to adjustgas generation.

1. Required rate of antimicrobial gas generation is impacted by amountof equipment, furniture, etc. in the room (taking up calculated volumespace), the uptake of antimicrobial gas by porous items in the room, andthe natural decay of antimicrobial gas concentration.

ix. Automatically adjusts rate of antimicrobial gas generation based onfeedback from remote chemical sensors to maintain target concentrationfor duration of disinfection cycle.

x. Updates user on time to end of cycle once steady-state conditions aremet.

xi Continuously monitors and records sensor data, creating a record thatdisinfection process parameters were maintain throughout cycle.

xii. Terminates gas generation at end of program cycle.

xiii. Aeration cycle is initiated.

1. Lower blower system turns over room in air until chemicalantimicrobial is no longer detectable (plus factor of safety).

2. Intake air is filtered through carbon filter and HEPA filter toremove antimicrobial and contaminants from air.

xiv. Warning light changes color indicating cycle has ended; user isnotified via remote monitoring app that it is safe to enter the room.

c. Reporting and data analytics.

i. Report file generated and uploaded to central data collection systemfor documentation purposes.

ii. Process data added to model training data set to continuously refinedisinfection models, both generally and for that specific room.

2. Chlorine Dioxide Gas

a. Pure chlorine dioxide gas can be generated from any number of sourcematerials; preferably, generation materials produce a high level ofchlorine dioxide.

b. Method of generating ClO₂ needs to be capable of enough ClO₂ for atleast one antimicrobial cycle.

c. Method of generating ClO₂ needs to be capable of producing ClO₂ fastenough to reach target room concentration levels within about 15minutes.

d. Method of ClO₂ generation may be batch process generation orjust-in-time production.

e. Generation materials are preferably provided in a form that does notrequire human contact, here introduction/integration process withequipment support chemical feed, and feed rate can be controlled tocontrol the rate of ClO₂ production.

f. Pure ClO₂ gas can be separated from liquid using any method, e.g.,stirring/mixing; aeration; surface fans/blower; water tower withcountercurrent air; airflow over/through water flow or spray; thin filmevaporation; vacuum; piezoelectric; heating; and the like.

g. Liquid byproducts from ClO₂ generation process may be neutralized byany number of chemical reaction processes to destroy residual ClO₂.Alternatively, generation liquids can be recirculated through the systemduring the aeration cycle to remove residual ClO₂.

3. Configuration

a. The ClO₂ gas disinfection system can be configured as a fullyautomated unit, with full process control and documentation features, asdescribed.

b. Manual configurations without process automation and control may beconfigured for use by properly trained personnel.

Example 1

FIG. 51-A illustrates the time (minutes) to equilibrium for a targetconcentration of 0.1 ppm of ClO₂ to air. As illustrated, equilibrium wasreached in a matter of minutes using this very small setup.

After the ambient air inside the ISO shipping container reached anequilibrium of 0.08 ppm, the syringe pumps were turned on to a rate of 1µL/min. and the ClO₂ concentration was measured at five different portsin the ISO shipping container walls, the ports being spread at differentlocations around the ISO shipping container. FIG. 51B illustrates theconcentration (ppm of ClO₂ to air) measured at each of the five portsover time (minutes). The concentration measured at each port wassubstantially similar over the test time, as illustrated in FIG. 51B.

Example 2

In Example 2, a dose of 125 mL of 0.75 g/mL NaClO₂ and 632 mL of 0.50g/mL Na₂S₂O₈ were dispensed into a unit with fans blowing down onto theClO₂ solution. The unit was located in the center of an ISO shippingcontainer (e.g., sealed environment). The fans blew the air within theenclosed, and sealed, ISO shipping container, which had an internalvolume of 1,300 cubic feet/36.8 cubic meters. FIG. 52A illustrates thetime (minutes) to equilibrium for a target concentration of 350 ppm ofClO₂ to air. As illustrated, equilibrium was reached in about 60minutes.

After the ambient air inside the ISO shipping container reached aconcentration of about 350 ppm, ClO₂ production was ceased, and aPortaSens device was used to read the concentration at 12 differentports in the ISO shipping container walls, the ports being spread atdifferent locations around the ISO shipping container. FIG. 52Billustrates the concentration (ppm of ClO₂ to air) measured at each ofthe 12 ports over time (minutes). The concentration measured at eachport was substantially similar over the test time, as illustrated inFIG. 52B. Example 3:

FIGS. 53A and 53B illustrate diagrams of an example system 5300 forgenerating ClO₂ vapor from small volumes of high concentration liquidprecursors. System 5300 includes a sodium chlorite concentrate 5302 andan activator concentrate 5304. Sodium chlorite concentrate 5302 isfluidically connected to a pump 5306, while activator concentrate 5304is fluidically connected to a pump 5308. A controller 5310 isoperatively connected to both of pumps 5306 and 5308. Controller 5310controls the operation of pumps 5306 and 5308, including at least volumeof fluid pumped, flow rate, timing of pump activation, and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 53A, each of pumps 5306 and 5308 are fluidicallyconnected to a t-mixing chamber 5312, where sodium chlorite concentrate5302 and activator concentrate 5304 are combined to generate ClO₂ vapor.As illustrated in FIG. 53B, each of pumps 5306 and 5308 are fluidicallyconnected to a microfluidic mixing chip 5318, where sodium chloriteconcentrate 5302 and activator concentrate 5304 are combined to generateClO₂ vapor.

ClO₂ vapor is diffused into the ambient air at diffuser 5314. A ClO₂sensor 5316 senses the concentration of ClO₂ in the ambient air and isoperatively connected to controller 5310. If the concentration of ClO₂in the ambient air is lower than desired, controller 5310 causes pumps5306 and 5308 to generate more ClO₂, or to generate ClO₂ at a greaterrate, as necessary to achieve the desired concentration of ClO₂. If theconcentration of ClO₂ in the ambient air is greater than desired,controller 5310 causes pumps 5306 and 5308 to generate less ClO₂, or togenerate ClO₂ at a lesser rate, or to cease the generation of ClO₂ for adesired time to allow the concentration of ClO₂ to fall to a desiredlevel, as necessary to achieve the desired concentration of ClO₂.

Pumps, such as pumps 5306, 5308, 308A, 308B, and 308C, may be positivedisplacement pumps. Positive displacement pumps may provide a benefit inthat for each rotation/reciprocation of the pump, the volume of fluidpumped is known. In this arrangement, a mass flow controller or flowsensor (such as flow sensors 318A and 318B) may be eliminated from thesystem. Positive displacement pumps may allow a closed-loop independentsensor (e.g., an encoder) on the pump’s rotation/reciprocation means,which further allows the system to yield an independent measure of thepump’s movement and/or the volume of fluid pumped. When notreciprocating or rotating, the pumping action may maintain anormally-closed configuration to eliminate leakage flow, which iscritical to the control of microvolumes (e.g., microliters), and mayeliminate one or more secondary valves, including for example one ormore of a leak control valve and a check valve.

In one aspect, the matter transport system of antimicrobial generatorsmust be designed to minimize post-pump to generator-release “deadvolume,” which pertains to how much material is left between a pump anddownstream active/passive fluidic and/or generator elements. In oneaspect, a target may be less than 1X, or less than 0.5X of minimumgenerator cycle volume of precursors consumed as same dead space.

FIGS. 54A-C illustrate results of ClO₂ generation using system 5300 orsimilar systems. The results illustrated in FIGS. 54A-C correspond togeneration of 0.1 ppm of ClO₂ vapor from small volumes of highconcentration precursors. FIG. 54A illustrates results obtained from atwo-component concentrated liquid generation of ClO₂. FIG. 54Billustrates results obtained from an electrochemical generation of ClO₂from concentrated liquid NaClO₂. FIG. 54C illustrates projections forchemical use necessary for a 1,000 cubic foot (28.3 cubic meter) roomincluding various activators, both for initial treatment and after 30days of continuous operation.

Example 4

The efficacy of ClO₂ at ranges of approximately 0.1 ppmv and 5 ppmv wasassessed against clinically-relevant infectious bacteria includingKlebsiella pneumonia (Kp), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Staphylococcusaureus (Sa), and Salmonella enterica (Se), as well as bacteriophage Phi6and MS2 (representing enveloped and non-enveloped virus, respectively).The microorganisms were prepared in phosphate buffered saline (PBS),dispensed onto replicate glass coupons (five 10 µL droplets; equivalentto 5-6 log cells or virions per coupon), placed into a room-scale testchamber conditioned with ClO₂ and 50-60% relative humidity (RH) andoperated at ambient temperatures ranging from 18 to 21° C.

To assess efficacy, the concentration viable bacteria or infectivevirions recovered from ClO₂ treated coupons versus untreated controlcoupons versus time were measured. Per test, replicate coupons(duplicates or triplicates) were removed from the test chamber atvarious time intervals and assayed (extracted and enumerated) todetermine the total quantity of organisms recovered. The results wereplotted as kill curves (expressed as log organisms recovered versustime). The kill curves were then used to calculate the D-values of gastreatment, representing the time required to achieve a 90% reduction (or1 log reduction) of viable/infective organisms at a given testcondition. The area of the kill curve in which linear decay was observedwas used to determine the D-value (calculated as the negative inverse ofthe linear decay slope).

FIGS. 55A and 55B illustrate the mean D-values (hours) from replicatetests per organism performed at the range of 0.11 ± 0.04 ppmv (FIG. 55A)and 5.3 ± 2.4 ppmv (FIG. 55B).

The results demonstrate that at 0.1 ppmv (FIG. 55A) a reduction of 90%of all organisms was rapid and comparable ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 hours(or 31 to 70 minutes).

As would be expected, the efficacy increased with treatment at 5 ppmv(FIG. 55B) with D-values ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 hours (or 13 to 19minutes).

Based on this data, the time to achieve a 99.9 % or 3-log reduction at0.1 ppmv and 5 ppmv correlates to 1.5 to 3.6 hours and 0.6 to 0.9 hours,respectively.

Antimicrobial Generation and Monitoring Systems and Devices

A system for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial, is provided,the system comprising: a computational system; an antimicrobial sensor;and an antimicrobial generator, wherein the computational system, theantimicrobial generator, and the antimicrobial sensor are operativelyconnected. The computational system may be at least one of amicroprocessor and a microcontroller. The system may further include anexternal communication device. The system may include a separate sensorsub-system comprising: at least one of a sensor sub-systemmicroprocessor and a sensor sub-system microcontroller; a sensorsub-system external communications device; at least one of a sensorsub-system antimicrobial sensor and a sensor sub-system environmentalsensor; and a sensor sub-system computational system. The system mayinclude a separate generation sub-system comprising: at least one of ageneration sub-system microprocessor and a generation sub-systemmicrocontroller; a generation sub-system external communications device;and a generation sub-system antimicrobial generator. The externalcommunications device, the computational system, the antimicrobialgenerator, and the at least one of an antimicrobial sensor and anenvironmental sensor may be oriented within an enclosed volume undertreatment. At least one sensor sub-system and/or generation sub-systemmay be oriented within an enclosed volume under treatment.

A system for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial is provided, thesystem comprising: a sensor sub-system comprising: at least one of asensor sub-system microprocessor and a sensor sub-systemmicrocontroller, a sensor sub-system external communications device, atleast one of a sensor sub-system antimicrobial sensor and a sensorsub-system environmental sensor, and a sensor sub-system computationalsystem; a generation sub-system comprising: at least one of a generationsub-system microprocessor and a generation sub-system microcontroller, ageneration sub-system external communications device, and a generationsub-system antimicrobial generator; and an enclosed space forming avolume under treatment. The sensor sub-system and the generationsub-system may be oriented within the enclosed volume under treatment.The sensor sub-system may be oriented within the enclosed volume undertreatment and the generation sub-system may be oriented outside of theenclosed volume under treatment. The generation sub-system may beoriented within the enclosed volume under treatment and the sensorsub-system may be oriented outside of the enclosed volume undertreatment. The system may include an HVAC air supply fluidicallyconnected to the interior of the enclosed volume under treatment, thesensor sub-system may be oriented within the enclosed volume undertreatment, the generation sub-system may be oriented outside of theenclosed volume under treatment, and the generation sub-system may befluidically connected to the HVAC air supply. The system may include anHVAC air return fluidically connected to the interior of the enclosedvolume under treatment, the generation sub-system may be oriented withinthe enclosed volume under treatment, the sensor sub-system may beoriented outside of the enclosed volume under treatment, and the sensorsub-system may be fluidically connected to the HVAC air return.

A system for generating and monitoring ClO₂ is provided, the systemcomprising: a device housing including an inlet; a microcontroller ormicroprocessor; a reagent container containing a reagent; a device forgenerating a ClO₂ from the reagent; and a sensing system. The system mayinclude two reagent containers, and each reagent container may contain adifferent reagent. The device for generating the ClO₂ may be amicrofluidic mixer, and the two reagents may mix in the microfluidicmixer to generate the ClO₂. The device for generating the ClO₂ may be anelectrochemical generator. The sensing system may measure aconcentration of ClO₂ in ambient air introduced via the inlet. Themeasurement of concentration of ClO₂ in the ambient air may becommunicated to the microcontroller or microprocessor, and themicrocontroller or microprocessor may cause the system to generate theClO₂ if the ClO₂ concentration is below a target value. The system mayinclude one reagent container and one reagent, the device for generatingthe ClO₂ may be an electrochemical generator, and the electrochemicalgenerator may use an electrical potential to cause a reaction with thereagent that generates the ClO₂. The electrochemical generator may be amicrofluidic device. The system may include a barometric sensor to sensea pressure of ambient air introduced via the inlet, the pressure may becommunicated to the microcontroller or microprocessor, and a negativepressure may cause the microcontroller or microprocessor to pause ClO₂generation until a neutral and/or positive pressure is sensed by thebarometric sensor. The system may include an off-gas and waste chamberhaving a membrane, waste from the generation of the ClO₂ may be absorbedin an absorber material, and ClO₂ may exit the off-gas and waste chamberthrough the membrane and into an ambient atmosphere. The system mayinclude an air pump electrically connected to the microcontroller ormicroprocessor and fluidically connected to the inlet via an air duct.The microcontroller or microprocessor is controlled by machine learningalgorithms to alter system performance. The microcontroller ormicroprocessor may be controlled by artificial intelligence algorithmsto alter system performance. The microcontroller or microprocessor mayalter system performance automatically. The microcontroller ormicroprocessor may alter system performance by control by a user. Themicrocontroller or microprocessor may alter the system performance basedupon at least one of: a detection of a virus in ambient air containingthe system; a detection of bacteria in ambient air containing thesystem; an altitude of the system; a temperature of the system; changesin ambient air measured by changes in a concentration of ClO₂ in ambientair; changes in occupancy by living beings of an area containing thesystem; alterations for a user’s preferences; prediction of cycles ofoccupancy and vacancy by living beings of the area containing thesystem; and a diagnosis of normal or abnormal performance of the system.

A network of systems for generating and monitoring ClO₂ is provided, thenetwork of systems comprising: a plurality of systems for generating andmonitoring ClO₂, including: a device housing including an inlet; amicrocontroller; a reagent container containing a reagent; amicrofluidic device for generating a ClO₂ from the reagent; and asensing system; wherein the microcontroller includes a communicationdevice capable of communication between the plurality of systems,wherein the communication device establishes distributed control of eachsystem’s microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller is controlledby machine learning algorithms to alter system performance. Thedistributed control may include at least one of: adjusting individualsystems to achieve a uniform or deliberately non-uniform distribution ofClO₂ in each individual sensor’s location within a specified space;consumption of ClO₂; control of day and/or night generation cycles;using the sensing system to sense patterns across time,three-dimensional volumes, seasonal variations; sending patterns thatare inferred or traced to a signal measured; and sensing patterns thatare directly traceable to variations observed in ClO₂ concentrationsacross the network of systems installed across distinct spaces.

A network of systems for generating and monitoring ClO₂ concentration isprovided, the network of systems comprising: a plurality of systems forgenerating and monitoring ClO₂, including: a device housing including aninlet; a microcontroller; a reagent container containing a reagent; amicrofluidic device for generating a ClO₂ from the reagent; and asensing system; wherein the microcontroller includes a communicationdevice capable of communication between the plurality of systems,wherein the communication device establishes distributed control of eachsystem’s microcontroller, and wherein the microcontroller is controlledby artificial intelligence algorithms to alter system performance. Thedistributed control may include at least one of: adjusting individualsystems to achieve a uniform or deliberately non-uniform distribution ofClO₂ in each individual sensor’s location within a specified space;consumption of ClO₂; control of day and/or night generation cycles;using the sensing system to sense patterns across time,three-dimensional volumes, seasonal variations; sending patterns thatare inferred or traced to a signal measured; and sensing patterns thatare directly traceable to variations observed in ClO₂ concentrationsacross the network of systems installed across distinct spaces.

FIGS. 61A and 61B illustrates an example antimicrobial gas generator6100. Generator 6100 includes a reaction chamber 6102 having anair/precursor inlet 6104, and optionally a UV light inlet 6106. UV lightinlet 6106 may be operatively connected to a hollow tube 6108, thuspermitting the UV light to travel into reaction chamber 6102. Hollowtube 6108 includes a curved portion 6110 in the shape of an inverted“U,” which extends into the top of an evaporative waste trap 6112.Evaporative waste trap 6112 includes an antimicrobial outlet 6114including a hydrophilic membrane 6116 (PTFE or the like).

In one aspect, generator 6100 may be a photonic activation antimicrobialgenerator. Generator 6100 may use UV light to activate one, two, or moreprecursors (e.g., liquid precursors) within reaction chamber 6102. Thelight may be UV-C wavelengths centered around 255 nm are known to cleavethe sodium atom of chlorite (NaClO₂) to release ClO₂ through hollow tube6108, into evaporative waste trap 6112, through membrane 6116, and intothe volume under treatment through antimicrobial outlet 6114.

The described wavelength of the UV-C light is also known to reduce ClO₂gas to intermediate species on the way to reduction to chlorine gas.Thus, the time of exposure of the NaClO₂ to the UV-C light is limited.

NaClO₂ is introduced to reaction chamber 6102 in liquid form. UV-Cpenetration depth is very small in water. Thus, generator 6100 causesthe evaporation of the water containing sodium chlorite in reactionchamber 6102 in a manner such that “fresh surfaces” are exposedthroughout the evaporation process achieving the goal of exposing allthe sodium chlorite in that volume of water assuming that a dried saltdoes not block the UV light. Considering that a user expects generator6100 to generate only small doses of ClO₂, it is noted that attemptingto control a bulk solution of precursor removes the ability to controldose and/or deal with residues that interfere with reactions of sodiumchlorite while it is solution without complicated membranes or machines.As such, generator 6100 causes fresh sodium chlorite to be exposed at anever shrinking boundary layer between the atmosphere and a dropletcontaining an aqueous solution of sodium chlorite, by using vibrationalatomization or nebulization to generate a highly uniform andsize-limited pattern of droplets from incredibly small volumes of liquidwhen expelled into a gas flow stream past a UV source of the desiredfrequency. Providing the sodium chlorite in a volume of liquid definedas an evaporating droplet can ensure that all the sodium chlorite insolution is exposed to UV/UV-C, while still in an aqueous solution, andthus converted from NaCLO₂ to CLO₂.

Generator 6100 may also enable the control of total dose kinetics of UVor any other wavelength of light to a precursor liquid that can benebulized or atomized into droplets. Flowing gas (entering inlet 6104and exiting outlet 6114) in the hollow tube 6108 directs the flow ofatomized antimicrobial out of outlet 6114. This flowing “sheath gas” isthe atmosphere of the room, pumped into a port (which may be the same asor different from inlet 6104) in reaction chamber 6102, at a knownquantity from which it is easy to calculate the flow velocity in themuch larger diameter UV exposure portion of hollow tube 6108 (e.g., thatportion between UV light inlet 6106 and reaction chamber 6102). Hollowtube 6108 may be much larger in diameter where the atomized dropletsmeet the sheath gas, which may result in the velocity of the combinedstreams of flowing gas and droplets of aqueous sodium chlorite able tobe controlled simply by increasing or decreasing the gas sheath air pumpvelocity. Controlling this velocity of the combined streams controls thelength of exposure to the highly focused UV-C light provided from UVlight inlet 6106 (e.g., via an LED bulb) to the simultaneously movingand evaporating droplets for between 0.1 and 5.0 seconds. Changes to thequantity of gas pumped in as the sheath gas, diameter of the geometry ofthe unit, and/or a combination of these types of variables can provide amuch larger range of time-of-flight exposure of an evolving UV-C andaqueous solution interface boundary being constantly refreshed withprecursor material by the physics of evaporation of small droplets.

In another aspect, gas generator 6100 is an electrochemical generator.In this embodiment, UV light inlet 6106 is eliminated, and anelectrochemical generator cell is oriented inside reaction chamber 6102.The electrochemical generator cell includes an electrode array adjacentto the inlet side of reaction chamber 6102, wherein reaction chamber6102 further includes a mesh atomizer.

In each aspect, generator 6100 produces atomized antimicrobial dropletsand separates the antimicrobial from the waste. That is, the atomizedantimicrobial exits evaporative waste trap 6112 via membrane 6116 andoutlet 6114, while waste is unable to pass through membrane 6116 andfalls instead to the bottom of evaporative waste trap 6112.

Generator 6100 additionally uses the evaporation of the droplets tominimize waste volume. Evaporation of the liquid droplets in the time offlight, combined with a separation mechanism such as a hydrophobic smallpore membrane (membrane 6116) that is highly permeable to small gaseousmolecules, enables the separation of the solid waste (and/or liquidwaste should some percentage of droplets not fully evaporate due tosize, coalescence of droplets, or other causes).

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants use the term “and” in a list, such as“one or more of A, B, and C,” Applicant intends the term “and” to beinterpreted as “and/or.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only Aor B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will beemployed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and notthe exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern LegalUsage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or“into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it isintended to take into consideration the degree of precision available inmanufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of acomponent wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate thefeature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in useof the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” isused in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that theidentified components are connected in a way to perform a designatedfunction. As used in the specification and the claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term“about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include± 10 % of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of aspects thereof, and while the aspects have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

What is claimed is: 1-18. (canceled)
 19. A network of systems forgenerating and monitoring an antimicrobial, comprising: a plurality ofsystems for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial, including: amicrocontroller; a sensing system; wherein the microcontroller includesa communication device capable of communication between the plurality ofsystems, and wherein the communication device establishes distributedcontrol of each system’s microcontroller.
 20. The network of systems ofclaim 19, wherein the microcontroller is controlled by machine learningalgorithms to alter system performance.
 21. The network of systems ofclaim 19, wherein the antimicrobial is ClO₂.
 22. The network of systemsof claim 19, wherein the distributed control includes at least one of:adjusting individual systems to achieve a uniform or deliberatelynon-uniform distribution of the antimicrobial in each individualsensor’s location within a specified space; consumption of theantimicrobial; control of day and/or night generation cycles;compensation for an HVAC system air exchange or other dilution of an airin which the antimicrobial is distributed; using the sensing system tosense patterns across time, three-dimensional spaces, and seasonalvariations; sending patterns that are inferred or traced to a signalmeasured; and sensing patterns that are directly traceable to variationsobserved in the antimicrobial concentrations across the network ofsystems installed across distinct spaces. 23-30. (canceled)
 31. Thenetwork of systems of claim 19, wherein the microcontroller iscontrolled by artificial intelligence to alter system performance. 32.The network of systems of claim 19, wherein the antimicrobial is a gasor vapor.
 33. The network of systems of claim 19, wherein theantimicrobial is an airborne antimicrobial.
 34. A network of systems forgenerating and monitoring an antimicrobial, comprising: a plurality ofsystems for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial, including: amicrocontroller; a sensing system; wherein the microcontroller includesa communication device capable of communication between the plurality ofsystems, wherein the communication device establishes distributedcontrol of each system’s microcontroller, and wherein themicrocontroller is controlled by machine learning algorithms to altersystem performance.
 35. The network of systems of claim 34, wherein themicrocontroller is also controlled by artificial intelligence to altersystem performance.
 36. The network of systems of claim 34, wherein theantimicrobial is ClO₂.
 37. The network of systems of claim 34, whereinthe antimicrobial is a gas or vapor.
 38. The network of systems of claim34, wherein the antimicrobial is an airborne antimicrobial.
 39. Thenetwork of systems of claim 34, wherein the distributed control includesat least one of: adjusting individual systems to achieve a uniform ordeliberately non-uniform distribution of the antimicrobial in eachindividual sensor’s location within a specified space; consumption ofthe antimicrobial; control of day and/or night generation cycles;compensation for an HVAC system air exchange or other dilution of an airin which the antimicrobial is distributed; using the sensing system tosense patterns across time, three-dimensional spaces, and seasonalvariations; sending patterns that are inferred or traced to a signalmeasured; and sensing patterns that are directly traceable to variationsobserved in the antimicrobial concentrations across the network ofsystems installed across distinct spaces.
 40. A network of systems forgenerating and monitoring an antimicrobial, comprising: a plurality ofsystems for generating and monitoring an antimicrobial, including: amicrocontroller; a sensing system; wherein the microcontroller includesa communication device capable of communication between the plurality ofsystems, wherein the communication device establishes distributedcontrol of each system’s microcontroller, and wherein themicrocontroller is controlled by artificial intelligence to alter systemperformance.
 41. The network of systems of claim 40, wherein themicrocontroller is also controlled by machine learning algorithms toalter system performance.
 42. The network of systems of claim 40,wherein the antimicrobial is ClO₂.
 43. The network of systems of claim40, wherein the antimicrobial is a gas or vapor.
 44. The network ofsystems of claim 40, wherein the antimicrobial is an airborneantimicrobial.
 45. The network of systems of claim 40, wherein thedistributed control includes at least one of: adjusting individualsystems to achieve a uniform or deliberately non-uniform distribution ofthe antimicrobial in each individual sensor’s location within aspecified space; consumption of the antimicrobial; control of day and/ornight generation cycles; compensation for an HVAC system air exchange orother dilution of an air in which the antimicrobial is distributed;using the sensing system to sense patterns across time,three-dimensional spaces, and seasonal variations; sending patterns thatare inferred or traced to a signal measured; and sensing patterns thatare directly traceable to variations observed in the antimicrobialconcentrations across the network of systems installed across distinctspaces.